Today was the beginning of Naadam, the Mongolian National holiday celebrating the "Three Manly Sports"--wrestling, horse racing, and archery. We enjoyed the opening ceremonies at a large sports stadium. It was similar to what I've seen on TV for the Olympics opening ceremonies, only on a much smaller scale. There was a parade coming into the stadium featuring soldiers on horses, revving motorcycles, brightly dressed men and women in traditional Mongolian clothing, a band, flags, hundreds of balloons released, dancers in the middle of the field (I love Mongolian dancing!), athletic men and women jumping off and then back on their horses and flipping forwards and backwards on their horses...much like a gymnast on a pommel horse. Note the skydiver (there were about 12 in all) in the last picture. And, notice the beautiful view of the hill country in the background of that last picture as well!
3 comments:
LOVE the authentic dress of the participants!
I tried out a "manly" Asian sport with a friend a couple weeks ago...went to a Krav Maga class. Ouch! Intense cardio, self defense, and practicing on each other by taking turns "attacking" and "defending." My friend, Joan, went easy on me, but I was definitely out of my comfort zone.
cool pictures! im not going to take the time to read this now because im tired and ready for bed, but i will read it tomorrow at work. the guys wrestling in speedos are especially.... uh, interesting??? :) love ya! 11 DAYYYSSS!
I'm enjoying all of your posts about Naadam! Thanks!
Looks like Heather is counting the days till your arrival.... Bless her heart!! We are all excited to see you!!!
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