Paradise? Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

"This winter was so difficult, we lost many cattle in the cold" said the owner of this ger through our translator, "the coldest, it was maybe -52C" she explains over a cup of Mongolian salt tea, and I'm looking outside at the most beautiful weather wondering how it's possible! "Because we lost so many cattle some of the men have gone to the city for work, and some of them had no choice but to work illegally in the gold mines - one of men from further in the hills died last week when the mine collapsed" she explains to me suppressing her sadness through a forced smile.

The occupants of this ger are of the 'Darkhad' minority who live in the very north of Mongolia on the border with Siberia in Russia. We stayed with them enjoying their excellent food, drink and hospitality for the en-route to he mountains in the distance.

I couldn't help thinking they lived in a kind of paradise; clean air and environment, they want for practically nothing and live a life free from modern complications, but on the other hand when winter bites their lives quickly become a cold hell. Would you live there?

Loic_bzh, bakes888, riclopes, TopGeo, Didi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Loic_bzh (7015) 2009-05-22 2:05

Hi Lee,

typical mongolian landscape (as far as I can imagine it from what I saw on TV or in some magazine since I didn't have the chance to see it with my eyes). I like the balance between the different elements of your compo and the panoramic format you chose...

Have a nice day & week-end,

Loïc

bakes888 (18055) 2009-05-22 2:12

Hi Lee. I experienced a -6C frost but can only imagine -52! Nice photo, good clarity and colours. I like the deep blue sky and white clouds. Well composed and thanks for sharing.
Have a good weekend, Paul.

riclopes (32951) 2009-05-22 2:26

Nope! -52C must be unbearable...I need warm weather all year round, although I have atraction for deserted remote places like this one. Your note is very good, Lee. And this panorama is wonderful. Nice to see the clouds at left and the snowcapped peaks above the traditional house. Good timming for the person stepping out too, although it's a pitty he's not much visible.
All the best,
ricardo

rikko77 (5896) 2009-05-22 2:53

Hey Lee, nice, nice and interesting your note. I've been there 2 years ago, Mongolia, a magic place, people are so nice even though they have lots of problems. Your pic is an interesting, beautiful way to document, to tell us life in that wonderful Country.
Have a nice day,
Rikk

TopGeo (21617) 2009-05-22 13:38

Hi Lee.Hard oppositions Possible and dark ground colours and a detail in this part of extremities of time and conditions of existence I believe you have a infrequent experience that I would want him to see !Have a nice day and week-end,
Georgios

Waylim (10741) 2009-05-22 16:18

Hi Lee,
Sure does look like paradise, from our perspective and looking at the picture. But the reality for them, they live through all seasons, we tourist only go there at the most decent weather condition. I'm sure it is tough in the winter, when your livelihood depend solely on the environment, farming, and catle, if the weather is not cooperating, what to do? I use to have dream of visiting Mongolia, not as strongly any more since I visited Tibet. Perhaps I felt that it would be similar in someway. Not to say that I won't, just not as high in priority. Looking at you image, it may just changed. Great shot, I love it, the way I always imagine it to be. A very moving note and strory to go with it. Very special and emotional, rather than just a pretty picture. Thanks
Way

aadilj (17950) 2009-05-22 22:24

This is rich and wide and smartly composed indeed. I remember seeing these tents in a travelougues and am glad you actually could visit one of them Lee.
Thanks also for your critique on my image and your lovely remarks! Must say you also have a photographic memory!!

Didi (35928) 2009-08-09 4:54

Hi Lee
It's possible to spent one night in theis kind of tent for 50 € in France
Very nice picture with interesting lights.
I think you should make a large panoramic post.
Best regards

Photo Information

Copyright: Lee Marshall (litiancai) (1040)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-05-09
Categories: Daily Life, Nature, Architecture
Camera: CANON EOS 40 D, Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 AT-X Pro, 77mm Hoya S HMC Pro1 C-PL thin
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/400 seconds
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-05-22 1:21