My first piece on Mongolia: Walking Ulaanbaatar My second piece on walking Mongolia: Walking Darkhan On my last day in Mongolia I was interviewed by Suren Ganbaatar, a twenty-seven year-old journalist. As I was walking across Japan I kept thinking about the limitations of being a traveler, and no matter how much you try to understand a place, there will always be things you miss, and things much better told by those who grew up there.
Thank you, the post is excellent and you're right, talking with people who live in a country or city adds richness and depths one can't get visiting. There's a big difference between seeing the buildings and streets and understanding how they shape people and how the country and what's happening there shape outlooks. Thank you again, this post added richness to a place I'm unlikely to visit, but at least feel a connection to.
This is an excellent addition to your always-fascinating writing Chris. And thank you to Suren for sharing a bit of your life and insights with us—I you the very best in your life and work.
Odd isn't it how as both the Soviets and the West encroach they both seem to accelerate the atomisation of the social bonds of traditional ways of life. It was ever thus I suppose. A great interview opening a window into a life it is hard to imagine.
Suren seems brave and inspiring. I wish her all the best.
I really enjoyed learning about her and her country. My question would be how did she get such beautiful red hair? I doubt at a beauty shop but could be wrong. :-)
Thank you, the post is excellent and you're right, talking with people who live in a country or city adds richness and depths one can't get visiting. There's a big difference between seeing the buildings and streets and understanding how they shape people and how the country and what's happening there shape outlooks. Thank you again, this post added richness to a place I'm unlikely to visit, but at least feel a connection to.
A beautiful result Suren!
This is an excellent addition to your always-fascinating writing Chris. And thank you to Suren for sharing a bit of your life and insights with us—I you the very best in your life and work.
Hi Chris, thank you for interviewed me. I really enjoyed our conversation ✨
Fascinating Chris,
Odd isn't it how as both the Soviets and the West encroach they both seem to accelerate the atomisation of the social bonds of traditional ways of life. It was ever thus I suppose. A great interview opening a window into a life it is hard to imagine.
Suren seems brave and inspiring. I wish her all the best.
I really enjoyed learning about her and her country. My question would be how did she get such beautiful red hair? I doubt at a beauty shop but could be wrong. :-)
Love this: "rooms and walls seem to isolate us and make us colder as time goes by."
Please keep it up. The interview was fascinating
Loved this interview and would love to see more like it!
That was indeed fascinating, and illuminating.
How amazing to read an interaction like this. When I see the elites trying to shut down the internet it's pretty clear what they fear.
I love reading your articles. When you post, you are the first email I read. I just love seeing the world through your eyes.
Chris - this is fascinating. I hope Suren's dreams come true.