https://gfycat.com/HeavenlyAllAfricanfisheagle
I’ve been interested in geography and the world since I got my first map at 9 years old. When I was bored I’d try to match the country’s flags to the country on the map. As a young adult I became interested in “The Silk Road“ and the role of trade in the development of civilizations and culture. Sounds pretty nerdy right?
The whole trade caravan picture and nomadic lifestyle was always kind of appealing-kind of like a little kid wanting to be a cowboy.
In my days as a competitive amateur wrestler, I had always been impressed with the athletes from the Central Asian Republics and Russia. They (along with the other European Republics) were collectively known as the Soviet Union or USSR before its collapse circa 1989. I had made a few friends from Kazakstan and Azerbaijan and my interest grew further from there.
Honestly, I was searching for a work/travel opportunity anywhere in Central Asia.
I had heard of these tours and programs where you could ‘live like a nomad” and in particular saw one with a picture of two tourists drinking beer outside a yert or traditional nomad dwelling. So I said to myself “hmm yeah that’s really living like a nomad” (sarcasm).
Well I don’t blame these travel and tour companies, because travel is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. That’s what sells.
I then heard of these ‘work travel’ programs where you could trade work for accommodation. And a lot of these programs looked rather touristy as well. I happened upon this one particular posting of someone who needed help with their family’s herd during foaling season (when the babies are born). After contacting this person, it seemed like pretty hard work.
So I said ok this sounds like what I’m looking for. This seems realistic, and not some kind of romantic and idealistic movie scene with a guy riding through the Mongolian outback on a horse with the wind in his hair.
The weather’s going to be pretty cold by California standards but warm by nomad standards (about 41F/5C today). The snow is just melting. There will be some sleep deprivation as some of the babies are born in the middle of the night and need tending. There will also be farm related work in the day-and it just seemed like an authentic nomadic experience or we’ll find out.
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Cool stuff! I will be following this blog. Any plans to head to Japan?
Not on this trip, but I was planning a bike ride from “Sata Misaki” (or the southern most point of Kyushu) up to Tokyo. I decided to do this one instead although I’d still like to do that ride in the future!