Yak Herding and Tea Time.

I had the opportunity to meet with a Yak-herding family on the Mongolian steppe. This experience certainly revealed the hard and austere lifestyle of these nomadic families. Here the owner of the house is carrying fresh milk back to her ger which she will serve  in a steaming bowl of milk tea.

After the milking of the yaks is complete, they are herded off into the pastures again where they will remain until the next morning.

One side of the ger is organized with all the cooking utensils. A  wood stove can be found dead center of the ger.

The nomadic families depend on these long-haired bovines for virtually all of their core needs: milk, shelter and clothing.

Bread Store ~ Mongolian Style

Situated close to the Siberian border in one of Mongolia's most picturesque destination is Khovsgol. The surrounding area is home to camels of the Gobi and reindeer of the taigan (coniferous forest) as well as several Mongolian ethnic groups. These groups include the Buriat, Khalk, Darhat and the Tsaatan. The next few photos were taken at a local bakery close to Khovsgol Lake, a pristine alpine lake stretching out almost 100 miles long. The owner of this bakery also was the local ice cream producer and seamstress. All three businesses were located in one building.

                               Breads displayed on shelving for sale. Store open 6 days a week.

                                    Whole wheat and sourdough breads were also available for sale.

                     Bread molds were placed in long tubular shaped oven for baking two loaves at a time.

                                                             Bread kneading machine

                                         Oil and brush prep table for oven equipment.