(Stepping out of the yurt)
Under the blue sky and white clouds, you will see a vivid picture of flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, galloping horses and skillful herdsen on horseback brandishing horsewhips. Do you want to go for a ride ? If you are skilled at riding ,why not ride a Mongolian horse for a while or wander about on camelback?If you are afraid of riding horses or camels,never mind .You still can enjoy the nomandic life by taking a special Mongolian vehicle called a “Lele”.
(Briefing on the physique of Mongolians)
Now you have had a look at the grassland with your own eyes, but did you noticed that the Mongolian girls are graceful,elegant and vigorous, and the young fellow are robust ,heroic and muscular? It is said that this has much to do with their life styles which are connected with horse sports,running and pursuing.Further,the important role played by milk tea and milk products in developing their muscles and bones canot be underestimated.
(Briefing on the dietary habit of Mongolians)
Let`s start with milk tea,The host minces the tea and put it in a kettle to boil it .When the kettle starts boiling with a gurgling sound, the host pours the fresh milk into it .Thus the herdsman coming in from a snowstorm will warm up immediately after having such a cup of milk tea. A bowl of milk tea, stir-fried rice ,several piece of a dry milk product and some lamb is regarded as a delicious meal by the ordinary Mongolian herdsman. Milk products include the skin of boiled milk, milk curd, milk wine ,cheese ,butter and so on .The formal meal may be served with meat and a flour-base product.
While you are here on the grassland ,it will be a great pity if you do not try “Shouba Lamb”(boil meat which is eaten using a knife and your hands).The lamb is first cut into big slices and then put into boiling water to cook.When it is half done, you cut it into smaller pieces with the Mongolian knife and eat it .TheMongolian people think that half-done meat contains more nutrients.
(Briefing on Mongolian clothing)
The Mongolian robe is unique to this ethnic group .The robe is often matched with a belt and head decorations.With its high collar and long sleeves ,the robe protects people from mosquitoes .The middle part of the robe is made loose for the convenience of riding horses and is long enough to keep the knees warm. You can find all kinds of clothes here today ,but the robe is the cultural heritage of the Mongolians and has become a symbol of their national conscience and identity.