"Tsaatan" or Reindeer people are nomads living around Lake Khogsvol in Northern Mongolia. Totalling only 42 families, they rely on small herds of reindeer for clothing, food and transport. The reindeer feed on moss located in wooded mountains near the lake. In recent years the Tsaatan have ventured to lower altitudes to earn money from travellers in order to send their children to school. This has led to a sharp decrease in reindeer numbers as the animals die in the warmer temperatures.
Orchids - Inca Trail - World Expeditions & Tampa Treks
photo - Carole Grassby
The Inca Trail in April is a blaze of colour with delicate orchids and other native flowers in abundance. The new trail, recently reopened, follows the river for 3 days before joining with the old trail for the final day. This is a challenging walk but the scenery and Inca ruins en route are fascinating, surpassed only by the ultimate vista of Machu Picchu which opens up before you after the final climb to the Sun Gate.
Travel on Q - Travel Specialist
Gridlock – Bhutan
Photo – Carole Grassby
Welcome to the National Highway of
Bhutan. An enterprising minibus driver has tried to negotiate his way
around a broken down van and ends up jammed in a ditch.
It took many minds, lots of advice and much heaving and digging to
free the vehicles. At least there were no predatory tow trucks to add
to the confusion!
Cambodian Tarantulas A gourmet experience
photo - Andrew Mencinsky
Fried tarantulas, known as a-ping, are a Cambodian delicacy. Cambodians first began to eat insects and spiders in the 1970's, during the chronic famines following the collapse of the agricultural collectives the Khmer Rouge had set up. When Pol Pot's regime came to an end, most Cambodians were happy to stop eating bugs, however tarantulas fried in salt and chili remain on the menu as an occasional snack though hard to find. Initially unable to find the courage to try one, I watched in awe as a local lady next to me ate one with obvious relish, so started with the legs. which were quite tasty - crunchy with a taste of chili. the big challenge was the abdomen . It was very dry and a challenge to swallow. and by this time quite a crowd had gathered around - both Cambodians and Westerners were quite interested in my reaction to eating it. Just in case you were wondering, I haven't started spinning webs. I have however developed quite an appetite for flies and moths...
