Khorkhog/Picnic on the River

Right after the official Naadam was over, we went out to the river for another picnic.  Mongolians really know how to have a picnic!  This is the preparation to leave Ganzorig's house. 

President Gankhuyag and his sweet wife, Nara. stand on a piece of land the will move to and raise animals

Many Mongolians move their gers to the river for the summer and enjoy the cooler air, water and greener landscaping.  They bring their animals with them and watch them graze.  It's very peaceful there.

At least until the rowdy bunch of Mormons come to disturb the peace!

Alternating adding meat and hot rocks to the milk can.

Ampaa and Khlamma carrying a bag of dried dung to feed the fire across the river.

They love to play football, or soccer as we call it.  Ganzoreg washing some clothes.

Lamsuren and Nara doing laundry.  They wrung out as much water as possible before laying the

clothes out on the ground to dry. 

This was a blanket that was big and took several of us to wring it out. 

Erdenee washed Gankhuyag's car while waiting for the food to cook. 

This little guy loved to swim in the river.  He had a great time. 

We also played Skipbo and Uno waiting for the food.

They love those games. 

      

The food is finally ready!

And it was really good!  Sister Lamsuren is enjoying it.

As is Sister Aruynjargal!

Amraa is using a huge knife to clean off the bone.  They leave nothing on it and when they are dong eating, all there is left is a pile of bones. President Gankhuyag even cracked the larger bones open and drank the marrow!  I almost gagged the first time I saw him do that!  It's supposed to be really good for you!

Khlamma and Ganzorig - great people!

This Mongolian was riding by on his horse and Gankhuyag asked him to come over to our picnic.  He readily agreed and they chatted for awhile.  President is a very friendly man and seems to know everyone.  Those he doesn't know, he gets to know quickly.  Anyway, we asked if we could sit on his horse and he readily agreed.  It was a small horse to start with and the stirrups were very short for both of us. 

It was a great day and turned out to be the last Khorkhug we had with these wonderful families.