One interesting visit was from a nearby American family, who have made a real farm nearby. Two story house, lots of sheep and cattle etc. Including fencing off a heap of steppe for crops (in summer). Mum and Dad and six kids.

They have been there two years now, and while Dad’s Mongolian is like mine ­ passable but not conversational, some of the kids are perfect. They range from a 19 year old handsome son through to a lovely little 5 year old little girl. All dressed in dells (the traditional dress) and hats.

They seem to be an accepted part of the remote community. They just packed and left the US and started afresh in the backblocks of Mongolia. Amazing stuff, and I must admit it gave me a warm feeling about the courage and faith of people. From what I saw they were totally traditional, and deferential and respectful to their hosts.

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