Another of Tong’s classmates, a Mongol, lives with his family in a farming community near Fuxin. Their living arrangements were much like those of the Manchu family, but with differences in the traditional dialects and music (and of course other cultural distinctions which we could not…… distinguish.).
They have donkeys in addition to pigs, chickens and pet dogs! We stayed on another brick bed, with the chickens in an enclosure right next door, and a verdant garden outside:
Dinner was concluded by singing some traditional Mongolian songs. Nobody was impressed with our attempts to reciprocate with pathetic versions of “Deep in the Heart…” and “The Eyes of Texas”.
By the way, we have been joined by one of Tong’s students, Yuan – above right in the photo. He is a student of English and soil science and has been very helpful and nice. We enjoyed our stay with the family and the “little prince”, the male child who is the focus of everyone’s attention.
Our first official night in Inner Mongolia was in the city of Tongliao, where we had a traditional dinner, complete with Mongol music, pretty girls, and mare’s milk victuals.
And remember who came from Mongolia. Genghis Khan – who not only conquered Asia and solidified the Silk Road – opening up trade to the Middle East and Europe – but whose DNA, due to his exuberant coupling with conquered peoples – is also in more than half the citizenry of the world (according to a recent report).
We are off to the grasslands! Hope you are all well.
Emerald Isle to the Norse Lands 