
NomadsLife
Four friends share an unusual dream. They want to travel to Mongolia to visit the nomadic tribes. So after talking it over and trying to figure out how they could make it happen, they gather a handful of sponsors, modify an old army truck to make it more practical, and then embark on a 10,000km journey.
They either begged for or borrowed the materials they needed to remodel the truck. The exhaust system needed to be rebuilt, and they used rafters from an old warehouse to weld together a platform for the back that would accommodate five persons for six months. Hardly anyone believed that they were serious about their plans; after all they wanted to drive across two continents through some of the harshest places on earth.
However, on June 14th 2008 they finally pulled out of Amsterdam on their way to Germany. This would then lead them through Poland, Belarus, Russia, and other countries until they would make it into Mongolia.
Only a few hundred kilometers away from their starting point they started facing challenges in the form of mechanical problems. Yet this setback was just one of the many difficulties they faced, which included exhaustion from spending so much time on the road, the extremely interesting Russian police, and the lack of showers.
As they entered Siberia, the roads got increasingly worse and things started rattling and falling off shelves. Yet their unbridled passion forced them to keep moving and to follow the roads into lands they had always dreamed of visiting.
After about 8,000 Km of driving, the cities were left behind and they ventured into the mountains where everything became a lot more tranquil. But as the roads disappeared, the traveling became more intense.
About 30 miles from the Mongolian border, they became aware that the truck had taken a beating and needed some urgent attention. Luckily they found a Russian mechanic who solved all of the truck’s problems and allowed them to continue their trip.
They took the truck as far as they could, and then had to continue their journey on foot, in true nomadic spirit. As they drew closer to their goal, they analyzed the fact that we’re all so alike and yet so different at the same time. At then end of this difficult journey these four friends plan to honor the traditions of the nomads, learn from their wisdom, and tell the world about their endangered way of living. Watch this story now.
excellent documentary
What a wonderful documentary!
That was different! I would have liked to know more about what the nomads ate, their passions and pastimes whether many of them had seen television or a computer.Nevertheless I really enjoyed it. Also would have liked more info on how people on the bus coped-what they ate and how they enjoyed the experience. 30 yrs ago I would have loved the trip. Now I like creature comforts. P.S I travelled the world 3 times from 1974-4 yrs in transit. I hope he begins on another journey. Well done and Thank you Toni
This documentary was very interesting and kept my attention from beginning to end.
The nomads of Mongolia seem to be very happy, caring people with an excellent perspective on life, even as times have changed. They are kind to each other, their animals as well as strangers.
They have appreciative feelings toward not only their traditional ways of life but also seem grateful for the kindness of outsiders who have helped make their lives a little bit less harsh than it used to be, given practical useful items such as binoculars, and canvas to replace the heavy reindeer skins they used for their tents in the past (for that one family that was interviewed, at least).
This allows them to continue living the nomadic life they love while having access to some items that make their physical conditions a little less difficult (-50c/58f degree weather in the winter? Sheesh!!).
Amazing people with admirable attitudes – a lot like what the four friends experienced themselves on this life-changing adventure!