Category: Mongolia

Some ways people use (and don’t use) technology around the world

Hayes Raffle4 Comments

So far we’ve been in the United States, New Zealand, Mongolia, India, Bhutan, two islands of Indonesia (Bali and Flores), four regions of Australia, and countless airports. We have seen different people using technology and have spoken to that least one person in depth about it in each country. And you can learn something by looking at people. Let me tell you some of the things I’ve noticed.

First of all “first world” seems to apply to Internet as much as anything. I had sort of gotten used to the idea that people are glued to their phones all the time whether it is to socialize, to learn, to optimize their travel schedule, or to be entertained. Not so outside of the US, it seems.

Namaste.
An Indian builder greets us with his phone conveniently tucked between his palms, a sight I saw often seen in India where people hold their phones ready-at-hand.

Internet service does not exist everywhere, and it does not always work. And connectivity alone does not make a country internet-native. As the Kiwis say, they live 20 years in the past. So even though Google Maps works flawlessly, not that many people depend on the internet the way we do at home. In the other places I’ve been, the internet does not always work, or even exist in the same form as we have at home, because unreliable or horribly slow connections really change what you can use the internet for, and how you will end up using it.  

Some challenges

  1. The internet doesn’t work very well most places. Many of our web services don’t work when this is the case (e.g. many Google services like Photos and Hangouts). Personally, I have had to migrate to WhatsApp, SMS, and Instagram just to have tools that work reliably.
  2. The only place that people seem to have their eyes glued to their phones is the airport. Maybe this is because people have more time or more money or come from bigger cities, or perhaps they are bored or lonely being away from home (or all of the above).
  3. Phones started out as communication devices and seem to still be that for most people in most places. There are some additional utilities, such as in Mongolia where they rely on cell phones for weather forecast which are quite helpful to the farmers. But mostly they are about being connected to people.
  4. When I have asked people what they use their phones for, internet services are often not mentioned. For example, a man in India told me lots of things which were mostly about using Facebook (although he never mentioned Facebook by name). He didn’t mention any Google services, which surprised me (as a former Googler). So I asked specifically about Google and Google Maps and things like that. The man I was speaking to said, “oh yeah of course – Uncle Google! That’s what we call it – uncle Google knows everything and yes we know Google Maps to and use that a lot.” This attitude was pretty typical: people focus on what they are for, not what the tools or networks are called, or who provides them.
  5. Most of the places we have been to are not iPhone-heavy cultures. Attitudes about iPhone range from not caring, to wanting an iPhone and not being able to afford it, to assuming that we own iPhones even though they have handled our phones directly to take our photographs. They seem to largely be status symbols at this stage, since people can’t tell the difference between a Pixel and an iPhone.My guide in Flores had two phones: a Nokia candy bar phone for calls and SMS, and a Samsung S5 for WhatsApp. He also uses the S5 for Google photos (whose client-server model is much too complicated for him to understand), and FB messenger (which brings home new business) and occasional demos of Google maps, when he wants to “take his uncle to Europe,” or see where a client lives. He has no real idea that Google makes Android, and he uses email and Facebook too. But it’s basically his WhatsApp phone, in his thoughts. What’s the most important thing to people? Other people.

People are interested in other people

The rest of the world seems to have stronger sense of community than we have at home, at least in the old-fashioned sense of community where community means that you live with other people and you talk to them all the time. Community means you get in each others’ business, in each others’ ways, and rely on each other deeply. This is true in New Zealand (which is a little bit more affectionate than England), and it was also true in India where people are almost literally living on top of each other everywhere you go. It was true in Bhutan, in Indonesia, and in Australia. Because of this, in some places like Flores, people spend little or no time maintaining relationships with people who are far away.

Tools like Facebook and Instagram take on a different role when they are used more for coordination of the next face to face encounter, rather than relationship maintenance (as we do in the US). In a culture where families live together and people require face-to-face communication to make important decisions, technology is a way to (at best) arrange your next encounter with someone important, or (at worst) to get in touch with people who have made the unfortunate choice to move too far away talk to be part of your face to face community. In short, it’s all about the people.

Mongolia vs. India

Paloma Raffle1 Comment

Despite both being located in Asia, Mongolia and India are two very different countries. India is much more colorful and lively than Mongolia. However, it is also a little overwhelming. Everywhere you step there is a new smell and a new sound. When you walk down the road, you will find poop everywhere. Mongolia is the exact opposite. In Mongolia, they will pick up all of the poop for fuel. If you look around in Mongolia you will probably see nothing.

The climate and the density of the populations of these two countries are stark opposites. Mongolia has a very dry and cold climate. In Mongolia, you will find everyone has dry and chapped lips and skin. Everybody is always wearing at least 2, if not 3, jackets if they are to step foot outside. In contrast, the climate in India is very hot and humid. Indians just finished monsoon season, which is the very wet time of year, so the air will still be quite moist, but the sun will nevertheless beat down rays of hot light that vibrate off of people’s chestnut-colored skin.

India is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, while Mongolia is the exact opposite. If you step foot into Delhi, the capital of India, you will find it very crowded and messy, and you have to watch where you step so you don’t step on anybody, as someone may be lying flat on the floor, taking a nap. If you are flying in a plane over India and look out the window, you will probably see a town or small community through the dense urban smog. In Mongolia, you will almost certainly find snow-dusted mountains or flat, completely undeveloped land.

While Mongolia and India are very different countries, they still have much in common. The warm and friendly people of these two countries provide great hospitality towards everyone. In Mongolia, if you drive past a person’s house or ger, (a big round tent with a heater in the middle), you get out of your car and knock on their door, as it is considered rude to stand outside. People love it if you come in to say hello. The whole family will discontinue what they are doing, whether they are cooking, cleaning, caring for their livestock or riding a horse.  They will invite you into their house or ger and the woman of the house will make you milk tea, cookies, cheese curds, and butter that was fresh from their cows. The man of the house will sit down with you and have a conversation. They will find it very interesting if you show them photos of where you live because it is so different from where they live. They will make you a whole meal if you don’t interrupt them.

India and Mongolia are both countries where you settle for comfortable, but not luxurious. Despite their very different climates and the density of the population, the warmth and great hospitality in both places is unique. Both countries are stark, distinct and completely unforgettable. Honestly, I would not revisit either of these places, but it was definitely worth going at least once.

Mongolia and India

Hayes Raffle1 Comment

The world is a kind place. In the past week I’ve traveled from Mongolia to India, from the Gobi Desert to Indian Jungle via busy Asian capital cities. I’ve traveled from snow to blistering heat on the same day, and amidst these contrasts met some of the kindest and most welcoming people I can remember. Perhaps these lands of extremes help to amplify people’s humanity. I’d like to share some things I’ve learned.

Mongolia and India are both huge! But Mongolia is among the most sparsely populated countries in the world with only 2.7 million people, and India is one of the most densely populated countries with nearly 1.3 billion people. Both have long histories. India reaches back thousands of years in its capital alone, and yesterday we stood inside Hindu temples that have been standing for over 1000 years. Mongolia traces its origins back to Chinnghis Khan who united the clans of the steppe almost 800 years ago. Flanking either side of the Himalaya mountains, they countries are close and united in several ways, and worlds apart in others.

Mongolia is cold. Three days ago we awoke to snow and icicles on the ground, as fall was coming. The winter would bring chills of -60 degrees c and nomads would weather the winter with their livestock as they have for generations. Meanwhile, In Delhi, we were greeted the next day to 34 degree weather, a temperate change from the 44 degree summer we missed. The temperature seems to impact everything from culture to population density to clothing and transport and city smells. Do you know cold kills the smells? And lots of people and humidity amplify them? Ulaan Baatar was cold but not so stinky, dominated primarily by the coal smoke. Delhi was dominated by…everything you have ever smelled before in your life, turned up to 11 all at once. Where the Mongolian Steppe demands shelter from the freezing and dust storms, the India Jungle demands shelter from the heat and sun.

Food is a big part of life in both places. Mongolia is a meat lover’s place. Five treasure animals keep people alive: camels, horses, cattle, sheep, and goats form the foundation of life there. In India, plants thrive. The country has the most fertile land on the planet, and with the large population, plants are the major sustenance. The Hindus, who don’t eat meat, have developed the best vegetarian food I’ve ever enjoyed, and we’ve been here only two days! I may eat myself into looking like a dosa!

But in both places hospitality thrives. The people are warm, inviting, and quite genuine. While both countries welcome western culture (and Americans like us who are interested to learn more), they have proud cultures and histories of their own which reign supreme. In both places people have greeted us with smiles, food, and handshakes, although the customs differ. In Mongolia, people shake your hand after bumping in to you, a quick “no offense meant.” In India, people shake your hand just for being there, “thank you for coming to my country, and welcome!”

Both countries are still developing, and are not super rich. But they have rich people and rich natural resources which are being used. Mongolia has the world’s larges gold and copper mines, and is a major source of other metals and minerals. India hosts the world’s largest diamond mine. Both are rich in agriculture and support their people with a high degree of autonomy. Their lands make both countries strong.

My hope is to get to know some people in both countries a bit better, over time. This may happen in days or years to come, but I am open. Both lands seem to brim with hospitality and possibility, and have so much to teach me.

how mongolia is different from India

  • populated / not populated
  • colorful / spare
  • humid / dry
  • people shake your hand to say hi / people shake your hand to say sorry
  • vegetables rule / meat rules
  • plant farmers / meat farmers
  • families live in the same home for 9 generations, or 400 years / families are nomadic and move around (although in fairness land rights are inherited so maybe that’s similar)
  • it is hot! / it is snowing!
  • south of the himalaya / north of the himalaya
  • celebrates diversity / celebrates unity (e.g. chingghis khan)
  • 2 seasons / 4 seasons
  • jungle / desert
  • dominantly religious (80% hindu) / 57% atheist
  • you have to look for the animals who are hiding / the animals fly to you
  • super strong smells / not so smelly, but rather quite dusty
  • very modernized / very traditional and not so developed

how India and Mongolia are the same

  • people are very welcoming and kind
  • we have had wonderful guides in both places
  • long histories
  • both have suffered multiple invasions and occupations due to the wealth of their lands (india: agriculture / mongolia: metals and trade routes)
  • smoggy capital cities
  • food is rich and diverse, but healthy and filling. both have strong culinary traditions and have not been overwhelmed by western tastes.
  • for both, the US is not the major cultural influence. India seems to have a very strong cultural identity of its own, as does mongolia.
  • both cultures seem strongly connected to their land
  • both are in asia
  • multiple languages and cultures thrive in both countries. there is an appreciation and tolerance for the diversity, amidst common goals to unify people around language and civic identity.
  • both capital cities are completely overloaded with people. there is smog, traffic, chaos at times, and people spend more time commuting than they wished. Did both cities’ urban planners ignore demographics? were demographics wrong?
  • in both places, natural resources are being actively used. mongolia has huge copper and gold mines. india has huge diamond mines and poaching of mega fauna like tigers (who we failed to spot today).

I didn’t think I would find this in Mongolia

Anika Raffle3 Comments

Running down a hill gives you lots of joy.
And who doesn’t like beaches with very little noise?
Even though the water already drained out.
The sand is still there to play in about.
You walk up the sand dunes,
Starting to get hot.
You finally decide to catch up with your lot.
Running now,
Not slowing down,
You come to a high peak,
Where the ocean was once less deep.
You nod to your sister,
And raise your head.
Running down the hill you think isn’t this the best.
Your feet dig into the sand,
And fall on your hands.
The sand sticks to your clothing,
while your rolling.
And you think to your self,
I didn’t think I would find this in Mongolia.

Who am I

Anika Raffle1 Comment

I am a four-year-old.

I love to scribble.

My five-year-old sister, who is in the same classroom.

At my school, we have six grades in one classroom.

The only other room in my school is the kitchen.

My classroom is the size of some kids’ bedrooms.

I don’t have a desk.

Two American girls gave me a drawing book and some colored pencils.

I smile a lot.

Who am I?

I am a kindergartener who met a girl named Anika the other day.

 

Homeschooling. Is it the right choice?

Anika RaffleLeave a comment

This year, you guys have tried something new and tried to homeschool me and Paloma. There are some great things about being homeschooled like you do less of it. But also a lot of difficult ones, such as we don’t have a schedule to follow, and it is sometimes hard to have a teacher who is your parent and pay all of your attention to school. It also takes time away from activities that we could do otherwise. So this is all of the reasons why it is difficult for me to be homeschooled.

Firs, I know you guys like it when there is a schedule to follow especially you mom. But with this homeschooling, we are turning school into a mess. We don’t know when classes are or what we are doing until the last minute. We also have a schedule to follow, which makes school a lot harder.

I love school, but really, can you pay full attention when your parent is teaching you? I don’t think so. If you don’t have the right environment and people to work with you, then you’re going to get distracted. And it makes it even harder when your sister is in the room saying “Finished. I’m done.”

Also when you’re mad at someone then you don’t do as well working with them, and you don’t work as hard.

Also, I’d like to make a point of taking other activities into mind. We’re traveling the world for a year and if we spend all of the precious time we could be spending skydiving, or go-cart riding, or even shopping, doing academics, then we could be missing out on what could be the highlight of our trip.

You have heard my reasons and I hope you take them into consideration and change homeschool to include these ideas.

Hugs and kisses,

(I’d like to say, I wrote this when I was mad at my parents.)

A Miulder

Anika RaffleLeave a comment

Can you picture a small girl of eight who never smiles unless she’s happy? Who expresses her feelings, whether it’s polite to or not. Who could have the biggest tantrum in the world, or the biggest smile. Well if you can, then lucky for you. If you can’t, then it’s worth coming to Mongolia just to see a little girl named A Miulder and her falcon.

Playing with her became the highlight of my trip to the Altai mountains. We played balloon animals: one man at our ger camp named Sanjay happened to have a whole lot of balloon animals in his pocket and gave us more than five to play with. He made a dog, a horse, and then let me make a camel as well. He also let my sister make a giraffe, and A Miulder make an animal of her own. We drew on them, chased each other around on them, and then just played with them as well. She smiled so much when playing with them.

She also had her frowny times though. When she first came everyone huddled around her and she didn’t seem so happy then. She just looked like she wanted to get away. Also, when she came to the golden eagle festival she was happy to watch, and would rather do that than sit there being entertainment, asking for money. Also when she had to pose for twenty photos, you could see in all of them she didn’t want to stand still, and would rather be running around.

Another thing I loved about this girl was how much she cared for all of the things and people she loved. Her uncle for example. When she came to our ger camp, (the place that we were staying,) her uncle came with her and whenever she felt uncomfortable, she looked for her uncle for help. And you could tell how much her uncle cared for her too. She also loved her falcon more than anything.  When she came to our ger camp, she came with her baby falcon.  When she was really smiling (most of the time), she was smiling with her falcon. You could really tell that Falcon was part of her heart.

Playing with balloon animals, and watching how kind the little girl was fun and touching, I would definitely love to go and see many girls like her around the world.

Mongolia — things I’m grateful for

Hayes RaffleLeave a comment

Golden eagle festival, Ulgii

  1. The people were so kind in Ulgii
  2. Our food was fresh and delicious. Fewer cheese curds, more green veggies
  3. There were two kinds of useful technologies for nomads: electric light and cell phones, mostly for weather forecasts.
  4. Not being nomadic – getting to love my home all year long.
  5. The golden eagles were beautiful and I got to hold them.
  6. My wonderful children. Anika told me, “I like Mongolia…the people are so nice.”
  7. People are so happy even though they have so little, by Western standards.
  8. I met kind and interesting fellow travellers. I enjoyed talking to Peter Coyote (the actor!) about life and media. What a super nice guy – the kids hit it off with him, too. Dick Grace taught me that philanthropy is not about giving or us&them, but about compassion, and truly wanting to connect with someone and share human experience with them.

Gobi Desert

  1. Anika and I flew a kite in the windy Gobi and had fun. We found more wind at the top of the hill the next day and did it again.
  2. I slept poorly because I was cold, but Rachel was kind to me even though I woke up grumpy.
  3. Flush toilets, even in the Gobi
  4. Language translation and being able to talk to people
  5. Comfortable shoes
  6. Anika’s eye got better.
  7. There was a guitar at the 3 Camel Lodge. I don’t remember many songs, but it was fun to play. Anika boasted that I knew 15 songs, and signed me up to perform for the group at the cocktail party at the flaming cliffs. It was actually pretty fun, even though I only played 3 or 4 tunes.
  8. Anika turned 11 and celebrated in 3 time zones (3 days!): New Zealand, Mongolia, USA. She got desserts and gifts and was able to video chat with some of her friends back home, which made her feel so happy.

Visiting a nomadic family

Hayes Raffle1 Comment


When you are out on the steppe and come across a nomad’s home, don’t be rude – stop in and say hello. They will just stop what they are doing and make you tea, offer cookies and milk curds, sit down with you and talk. They will make you a full meal if you don’t stop them. You will get salty milk tea, which is made with tea from Georgia and lots of milk, probably Camel milk. They will share photos and tell stories. You will offer some candy which they will tuck in a corner of the ger. The lady of the house may be out of sight attending to the cooking and serving. The man of the house may kneel down and offer for you to smell his snuff bottle, which you will receive with an outstretched right arm, your elbow supported by your left hand. You will politely smell the snuff and hand it back to him. You will admire his gold trimmed orange robe which keeps him warm from the desert winds, and say “bai a la,” thank you, before you leave, stooping under the low door frame and carefully steeping over the threshold to avoid bad luck.

Mongolian Dinosaurs

Anika Raffle1 Comment

Dinosaurs lived millions of years ago before humans were walking on this planet. There are 700 subspecies of dinosaurs known to people, but there are still more to be discovered. They once walked on the very same land as you. They flew in the same sky that is outside your window. They lived in what is now the US, Brazil, and Canada. They also lived in Mongolia. The vast expanse of desert between Russia and China, Mongolia is nomadic land, and once home to dinosaurs. How do people know? The fossils are still there.

Out in the Gobi Desert, if you study the mountains, you will find millions of years of history right in front of you. These dinosaur bones and shells lived through the Holocaust, the Great Depression, droughts, floods, and so much more. They were once alive millions of years ago. Before there were humans. Before there were cats. Before there were mice. These bones, these shells, are some of the few ones that you can find while out on a hike today. If you look anywhere and everywhere in all of the USA, you will probably still not find one. But in Mongolia, thousands, millions, maybe billions can be found. Not only that but if you are a paleontologist, Mongolia is the place to look for fossils, as many species have been found there. Unfortunately, no one can take any shells home, but a picture of you and a dinosaur bone would be enough to impress anyone! So fly to Mongolia and dig up some bones from the dirt that was once home to many living creatures called Dinosaurs.