So yesterday was a great day and full of the Mongolian cultural experience.I went with my friend Sarah's Mongolian family to visit a few sites. The original plan was to visit one site, however this is Mongolia! No plans can ever be quite made when you are hanging out with your Mongolian friends nor can you set a time for your return home because anything can change at any minute and if you learn to accept it and embrace it..it really makes life exciting and quite humorous.

We first, stopped at the Russian border were the soldiers were slightly suspicious of us (funny); then we headed to our original destination " the mother tree" and finally we ended up at the river for a great picnic in the company of the wild horses of Mongolia, lots of food, great, loving Mongolian family and many laughs. Sarah and I made great videos, pretty entertaining, I'll have to post one day, words don't do them justice.

The "mother tree" was really interesting. Many people come to make offerings and pray. Basically you must walk in, make your offering which may consist of a blue scarf, incense, milk tea, rice, cookies, bread or all of the above. Then you must walk around the tree three times to show respect and have your prayers heard and finally you must exit with your hands in prayer position facing the tree. Again, everything here has significance..inspired!

Getting his "honi" (sheep) meat

Mongolians know how to have fun! We basically jumped off into the soft sand. Loved it!

Russian border

Entrance/Exit mother tree. You must exit facing  the mother tree (walking backwards basically) with your hands in. prayer position

Offering incense, rice and other items

Must go around three times to show respect and have your prayer heard

Mother tree full of milk tea and rice offerings. Be ready to have some milk tea thrown on you.

Picnic which includes: Sheep meet, potatoes, candy, bread, tea, milk tea, vodka, bottled veggie mix etc.