Could there be a worse Weekly Photo Challenge prompt for me this week? The only narrow thing I’ve seen in the last few days was my airplane seat in the economy section of a U.S. carrier that should be charged with inhumane treatment. And that was not a pretty picture, literally (I did take one) or figuratively, so I’ll spare you.
No, these next few weeks are not going to be “narrow.” I’ve just landed in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, to begin a trip through this vast, wide-open country. A land of unfurling skies, rolling grasslands, and big new ambitions, Mongolia and its most famous leader, Genghis Khan, have nothing narrow about them.
Genghis Khan cut a huge swath through the world in the 13th century, leading relatively small, nimble armies of highly-skilled horsemen with insane archery skills against robust militaries from Korea to Vienna, Russia to Viet Nam, and all over Central Asia. In 25 years, this man (who was also known to be physically large) conquered more territory than the Roman Army did in centuries.
Those with a narrow knowledge of Genghis Khan know him solely as a rapist and pillager, and those things he apparently was, according to most sources. But he was a complex character to many historians; some see his numerous accomplishments as “worth” the multitudes of deaths he ordered, while others can’t see past the killing, even as it led to a whole new world order. In the fullness of time, men and events can lose their distastefulness when seen in the context of later developments, and revisionist history has a way of softening the personality traits and actions that “great men” used to change the world. When we narrow our eyes and look closely at Genghis Khan, what do we see as his legacy?
In coming days, I hope to learn more about this multifaceted man and his role in Mongolia’s history, and I will venture out into the land of the nomads who still populate much of rural Mongolia. There will be few shots of small things or narrow spaces; my eyes, camera, and mind will be prepped for panoramas, wide angles, and the very big picture. Stay tuned!
Leslie said:
This is beautiful prose with insightful observations! I can’t wait to read more. Swift travels to my strong, capable, curious friend. Xoxo
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lexklein said:
Hiii – and thank you! How I would love to have my equally strong, capable, curious friend along for this wild ride across the steppe of Mongolia! It’s going to be awesome – can’t wait to tell you and others all about it!
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Suvi said:
Sounds great, enjoy your travels! I hate those narrow airplane seats 😬
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lexklein said:
Thanks – I’m pretty psyched about seeing this amazing country! And these seats were *really” bad – the worst I’ve had in a long while – and of course they were on a 14-hour flight!
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anna said:
What an adventure! Enjoy!
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lexklein said:
Thank you! It’s going to be fascinating, I think! Can’t wait to see and learn more.
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darwinontherocks said:
haha, oh dear I can see you were not inspired by these weekly challenge :p
Enjoy your trip it sounds fascinating !
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lexklein said:
I was inspired to turn it on its head!
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LaVagabonde said:
I haven’t flown a US carrier overseas for a very long time. I pay extra to avoid them! I heard that the Mongols’ secret weapon was the fact that they never washed themselves. I can just imagine the power of the Wide One’s stench! Don’t know if this bit of trivia is true or not. Have a fabulous trip. Looking forward to reading about it.
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lexklein said:
I had miles, and I couldn’t pass up a free flight to somewhere expensive like this one. Probably worth a few (well, 14) hours of misery. I have not come across the stench theory in my history reading thus far … will keep you posted on local lore!
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thirdeyemom said:
So excited you are there Lexi! I can’t wait to hear more about your travels and yes traveling that far in coach is awful!!!
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lexklein said:
Thanks, Nicole! I am pretty excited myself! I leave the capital tomorrow to head out into the countryside, which is the part I really want to see. (Free ticket, so I sucked it up and crammed into that seat!)
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thirdeyemom said:
Can’t wait to hear all about it Lexi! Have a marvelous time!
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Angeline M said:
I look forward to your upcoming tales, and photos from the land of Ghengis Khan.
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lexklein said:
I hope to have plenty of material to amuse you!
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Alison and Don said:
I knew nothing about Genghis Kahn but his name, so thanks for this little history lesson. Sooo looking forward to your posts about this big wide adventure you’re heading out on.
Alison
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lexklein said:
I knew very little about Genghis Khan either, but I have now read multiple books and listed to a fascinating series of podcasts about him. Very complex character, if scholarship about his life is accurate (and it may not be!). He might be the greatest leader the world has ever known, or he might be a total scoundrel. Or both!
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Alison and Don said:
Probably both 🙂
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twobrownfeet said:
Loved your take on the challenge. 🙂 My knowledge of Genghis Khan is pretty limited. It’s interesting how the same historical figure can be perceived differently in contrasting cultures.
I can’t wait to hear more! We almost planned a trip this September. Like most of our plans, this year, it didn’t work out! Will have to live it through your posts! Safe travels!
Cheryl
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lexklein said:
It’s funny – I’m not a big history buff, but travel brings out a huge curiosity to understand the figures and events that shaped the place I’m in. Reading so much about the Mongols and Genghis Khan has been truly fascinating and a great backdrop to the trip. Hope my posts convince you to try it again someday!
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Bama said:
If there is something Mongolia is lacking, it is narrowness. All the images I saw on the country convey the vastness of this once mighty empire. Reading the history of Gengis Khan from your perspective would be very interesting! Enjoy exploring Mongolia, Lex!
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lexklein said:
Thanks, Bama! I leave today to head into the countryside. I’ll be off the grid for a while, but will get on here with some new material soon afterward!
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Peta Kaplan said:
An exciting adventure ahead of you! I know very littla about among Mongolia so it eill be interesting to read about your experiences and imoressions.
Genghis Khan ~ always interesting when there are figures in history that are such a paradox. Che Gueverra comes to mind too.
I admire your adventurous spirit to discover the unknown. Safe travels.
Peta
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lexklein said:
Well, that’s a compliment coming from someone with the most adventurous spirit I can imagine! Off the to the camps on the steppe today – very excited!
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Curt Mekemson said:
Exciting, Lex. I am looking forward to traveling with you across Mongolia. A while back I read a book on Genghis Khan I really enjoyed. Unfortunately I loaned it out and don’t remember its name. –Curt
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lexklein said:
Maybe the Jack Weatherford book Genghis Khan: The Making of the Modern World? That was one I read (probably the most well-known) but I also read some books and listened to some podcasts that question some of his conclusions. Interesting subject for sure. Off I go today onto the steppe and the ger camps – can’t wait!
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Curt Mekemson said:
I’ll have to go on-line and see if it rings any bells. Have a great day out on the Steppes. –Curt
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estelea said:
Definitely staying tuned! I have been missing the fresh air from all your beautiful posts 🙂 Enjoy Asia
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lexklein said:
Oh, thank you! It’s been so hard to stay connected here … no wifi out in the middle of Mongolia! I’m taking lots of pics and thinking of post ideas, so hopefully something will appear here soon.
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AndysWorldJourneys said:
cant wait to hear and read about your experiences in Mongolia!
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lexklein said:
Thank you! I can’t wait to get through some photos and write up some adventures here. With only sporadic wifi, it may need to wait until I am home!
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awtytravels said:
Ah! Mongolia!!! One of my biggest items in the bucket list! I look forward to read from you about it, Lexi.
As for Genghis, I read a very nice book by one John Man, which I can only recommend. It’s a great read.
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lexklein said:
Keep it on your list, Fabrizio! It is absolutely amazing … more to come once I have more reliable internet!
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Madhu said:
I see Omar Sherif!! 😀
But wow! To retrace the steps of the great Mongol is the stuff of dreams Lex! Can’t wait for more.
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lexklein said:
Oh, it has been absolutely amazing! One day left and then I travel home via Seoul for a few days. Mongolia posts coming soon!
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CompassAndCamera said:
Lex! Amazing words here in your post related to “narrow.” Can’t wait to read more from your perspective on Mongolia!
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lexklein said:
Thanks, Kelly – it will be tough to even put into words the beauty and interesting culture I saw here. But I will try!
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CompassAndCamera said:
Can’t wait to read! Nadam is on my list…
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Sue Slaght said:
I appreciate your open and wide reflections. Stories often have tow sides don’t they. I chuckled at your inhumane airline seat. Travel is not always rainbows and cupcakes is it? I have no doubt by now you are soaking in expansive vistas and will delight us with many posts ahead.
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lexklein said:
I did soak in some incredible vistas and am busy composing posts that I HOPE will delight you! I also have to note that the inhumane seat on the way over was way better than the one coming back … but at least the flight was one hour shorter! Add in a 15-hour delay on my layover and a night on the floor of an airport, and I can confirm that the travel part was not all rainbows or cupcakes or unicorns or anything sunny! Still worth it, though!
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Sue Slaght said:
I’m with you still worth it and oh the stories the travel sagas make! 🙂
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lisadorenfest said:
Indeed! Anything but narrow! Lovely photo
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lexklein said:
Genghis was apparently as vast as the plains he conquered!
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lisadorenfest said:
😄👍
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