Blog
Solitude
Posted by Annika Furman on Jun 7th 2019
When in the Mongolian steppe, the paradox of serene solitude
becomes more than a page read in
Endurance. Solitude, the concept that someone can
be completely alone, feels inconceivable when in an American city. Coloradans
get glimpses of solitude when in the backcountry, but in a matter of hours, a
hiker can be enjoying a latte at Starbucks.
In Mongolia, solitude permeates the steppe; you can drive a full day and only see smoke extruding from the cylindrical pipe of a ger.
A
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Family and Legacy
Posted by Annika Furman on Jun 7th 2019
A common thread throughout the world is a parent’s / grandparent’s desire to create a legacy with their children. Whether in Sweden picking forest mushrooms with your mormor (grandmother), fishing with your uncle off the moye (dock) in Columbia, or in teaching your children how to herd yaks (sarlag) in Mongolia, the innate desire to create a legacy is ubiquitous. Humans produce a sense of purpose based on their connections to their families, neighbors, and surroundings. Purpose is how we embrace
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The Sustainable Future of the Mongolian Steppe
Posted by Annika Furman on Jun 7th 2019
The Mongolian Steppe is a fragile ecosystem that relies on the animals and people that occupy it to keep it healthy. As herd sizes of goats, sheep, camels, and yaks increase, the steppe is beginning to be degraded by overgrazing and improper circulation of these animals. Goats and the demand for their cashmere have the largest negative impact on the steppe, whereas yaks degrade the environment far less. In order for Mongolia to grow economically, herders must understand how to sustainably maint
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Mount Otgontenger - This December Decide What Mountain You Will Grow in the New Year
Posted by Annika Furman on Jun 7th 2019
Hangai Mountain Textiles prides itself on the authenticity and sustainability of their products. The rare yak down, pure cashmere, and baby camel used to make their exquisite blankets, throws, and other accessories are exclusively sourced and produced in Mongolia. Most of Hangai’s yak down is sourced near the magnificent Mount Otgontenger Mountain in the Altai Mountain Range, where the animals roam freely. The Otgontenger area and the animals inhabiting it are magical. The sheep and goats frec
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The Home of a Mongolian Ger
Posted by Annika Furman on Jun 7th 2019
For people all around the world, their home is a manifestation of who they are. Culture, interests, and family are woven into their dwelling, creating a unique place for them to provide and prosper. Homes are not just insulation and beams. They represent the needs and desires of those who live inside. An American home can represent our busy schedules and unique style. We decorate our house with abstract paintings and décor while leaving office space to tend to emails. For many other cultures th
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