TSETERLING, Mongolia - There aren't too many of the traditional tourist attractions in Mongolia.
The Soviets destroyed the monasteries, most of its great kings lived a nomadic lifestyle and the dry climate means waterfalls are few and far between.
Pity the poor tour guide, who must entertain foreigners on holiday. Thank goodness for the rocks.
On the trek so far we've passed dozens of ovoo, piles of rocks that must be passed clockwise. They're at key intersections of the road, on top of hills and near certain holy trees.
In Kharkorum, the old capital, a giant ovoo forms a new monument to the greatness of Chinggis Khan.
There's the Tsang'a, five-story archstone in the middle of the grasslands. The rock is supposedly so strong that several Mongolian wrestling teams are named after it.
Carved turtle stones guard the four corners of Kharkorum, beckoning visiting tourists to take one more photo.
We also saw Penis Rock, where childless Mongolians can come and increase their fertility. Legend says the phallic shaped rock was formed naturally, although a closer inspection show some awfully suspicious rounded corners.
If it's a fake, who really cares? No one actually comes to Mongolia to see rocks. They come for the scenery, the people and the hospitality. Rocks are just a way to kill time.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
On The Rocks
