On the Rare occasion that Aristocrat finds itself in the middle of the slow season, or without a jam packed schedule... We LOVE to find ourselves on an International Travel Adventure!!! Please feel free to peruse this page and read about our Recent Travel Adventure to:

China & Mongolia: Spring 2005

A visit to the 14th. Century Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaator (The Capitol City of Mongolia).  The Monastery is one of a handful that survived after the communist intervention this country was a part of until 1989.  The tile roof tops are everywhere, full of history and pigeons.  The writing is an excellent representation of the Classical Mongolian Script being used once again.

On the Edge of the Gobi Desert, in the Mongolian Countryside. These are the common Ger's (Home's) in which most nomadic Mongolians still live in.  They are moved to the area that the herdsman wishes to graze his livestock...consisting of sheep, goats, yaks, camels and horses.

We visited a local Mongolian Family in the countryside, only to find serene landscapes, warm ger's, smiling faces and peace.  What more could we ask for?? This family invited us into their ger for a snack and a cup of tea, which we gladly accepted.  Later, as pictured above, we walked out to the steppes to visit some of their goats, and to talk about their health (A good omen for Mongolian lifestyles.)  The little tike on the horse was a 15 month old little boy that was placed there by his Aavaa (Daddy.)  The little one was very pleased with his placement.  Most countryside Mongolians learn to ride, respect and love their horses also known as Przhewalski horses, from a very young age!!!

Our furtherest destination out into the Mogolian countryside, was that of making a visit to Kharroon the original capitol city of Mongolia, about 400 km from downtown Ulaanbaator.  It is a famous Monastery of  Chinggis Khaan 's brother.  In front of an incredible stupa within the Monastery walls stands a traditional old Mongolian man with his two sisters.  With the transulation help from Anu and her father, we spoke of old Mongolian times and traditions... It was very interesting!!! We had a Fantastic Trip, and this was just a short description of the events... Please visit the Mongolia Today Online Newspaper by clicking here!!!

Holland, France, Italy & Germany: Winter 2005 & 2006