ELEPHANT FAMILY IN AFRICA

I love this shot!  The little baby elephant standing so perfectly still... facing me while its mother watches over her baby.  

I've been experimenting with Black and White.  The texture is so great on the front elephant.  I can feel the weight of the ears.  The shadow makes an outline around them.  Like someone took a pencil and traced them.

MONGOLIAN CAMELS CLAIM THE HIGHWAY

You never know what you're going to see when you leave your home and have an adventure...!

These camels decided that they wanted to walk on the local highway rather than the dirt road.  

When I went to take the shot, it was like they were posing for me.  

I get that a lot with animals (the posing for a picture) no matter where I am.  It is almost like we are talking the same language and have an agreement in that moment....  

YOUNG BOY COMPETES IN MONGOLIA CAMEL RACE

I love this shot.  It speaks for me!

CAMEL RACING IN MONGOLIA

Winter Camel racing in Mongolia - another treat for the eyes!  I'm so glad I made it to this country.  It was cold but the people warmed my heart.

Me and My Camel

I've ridden camels before, but never in Mongolia.  I've waited 5 years to make this trip.  The weather was perfect this year and everything fell into place to go... so, I went!

Mongolia 2019

 

EAGLE COMPETITION - MONGOLIA

The Golden Eagle Festival and competition was just amazing.  Such passion!  Such skill!  I loved every second of it.  I've never seen anything like it.

When I wasn't in the tribal community, I was in the capital, Ulaanbaatar.  I saw the ballet at The National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Mongolia.  I had great seats and it was a wonderful performance.  I also saw two theatrical performances - both excellent.  I highly recommend seeing at least one opera and ballet performance when you visit Mongolia.  

MONGOLIAN EAGLE HUNTER

Mongolia was fascinating.  I could be away from the capital, Ulaanbaatar, and feel like I stepped back in time hundreds of years.  The indigenous people were so friendly.  I stayed with a family.  Boy, do they work hard!  

Every morning the food was prepared fresh.  It was delicious.  But a lot of time and labor to put it all together.  I have such respect for the family and community I stayed with during my trip.