So I was on my way to work yesterday, walking past Sukhbaatar Square and what do I see? Upwards of fifty camels and people in polo gear milling about and riding them.
Sunday was Soldier’s Day and there was a camel polo tournament just out of town somewhere. I had also heard there was a camel festival on the weekend, but that was the extent of my knowledge. What I had come across was a parade for the teams in the tournament. Everyone was just hanging around, not doing much, then all of a sudden they got organised and lined and up and did a lap of the square, then one more, finishing near the steps of the opera house.
What followed were some speaches and traditional songs. It was all so bizarre and incredible. Heaps of old guys hanging around dressed in really cool dels (Mongolian traditional coats/jackets) and hats too. I was unprepared for standing around outside for an hour, so I got cold and left while the speaches were still going, but the bulk of the action was over by then anyway. That was certainly the most impressive thing I’ve seen on my way to work though. Unfortunately, my camera ran out of juice after 3 photos, so they weren’t very impressive, but here they are regardless of quality:
On the weekend, I also picked up some new art supplies, since I’m trying to get more done and I have this illustration gig to work on in my spare time. I’ve never worked with nibs before, but had a little play and decided they have their uses, even for a lefty like myself. Because I’m drawing with them, not writing, it’s ok. Good for precise, intricate work, where I’ve been using brushes, which can be fiddly and prone to screw-ups in that situation. Playing with the tech pen was nice too, because it gives a very consistent line, which is good for certain styles and effects. Observe the experiments:
tech pen — nib — nib
I’m all moved in and settling into the new place nicely. I suppose I should take some pics of the new digs, but since I didn’t get around to taking proper ones of the old place, don’t expect them anytime soon.
It’s warming up here and everything’s melting. Walking around is more hazardous than usual, because there are random puddles, patches of melting ice and mud all over the place. Things are squishy.
killer. those polo camels are straight gangsta….
those guys invented polo – with human heads – and Seb – ah, tell us: what did the camels smell like?
may you had the advantage of cold – I only once met a camel – at a xmas party tucking into party food (TRUE) – now I don’t know if it had a reaction to the food, or if it was the warm day, but it had plenty of space…
I think generally they are pretty smelly, yes. I did have the advantage of the cold and my poor sense of smell, so I didn’t really notice, but anyone I’ve spoken to said they usually stink, especially their breath.