Here is a picture of the main government building here in the Republic. So, perhaps President Putin was inside??? (The round, white 'houses' in front of the government building are called 'yurts'.)
Yesterday was the big day for the horse race. (We so badly wanted to go, but it took place outside of the city, and we weren’t sure how we’d get there and back. If it would have been just David and I, we would have gone, but with two little girls, we thought it would be best not to get stuck somewhere. Maybe next year!) We heard that SO many people went to watch the race. The winner was said to have won a ‘yurt’, which is a transportable house that those who are nomadic live in. (See above picture.)
Today was the big day for another favorite of the republic… wrestling! We were able to go and observe the event, as it took place at the main stadium here in the center. Unfortunately, it was just so crowded, so we didn’t get to see very well at all. But, we did see some! We saw them doing their victory walk (or perhaps I should say, dance?), and saw a couple of wrestling matches. It was hard for us to believe that we were actually there, observing this, as we had seen many pictures and even videos on this type of wrestling (it’s a lot different from the wrestling that’s shown on TV in the west!). The announcers spoke only in Tuvan, and they played traditional throat-singing music! It was quite the experience! In years past, the final winner would win a car. I’m not sure what the prize was this year.
a young man wearing a typical Tuvan hat
Like I said, there were so many people! I think we stuck out quite a bit, as we all are blond and fair skinned, but perhaps they thought we were Russians??? There were people everywhere selling baked goodies, tea, ice cream, and of course, beer/vodka. Someone was even giving camel rides! (Looked like fun, but the line was pretty long, so we didn’t get a ride this time.) All in all, it was a great cultural experience. Hopefully by this time next year, we will understand more of the language and culture, and we will be able to know more of what is happening!
one of the ladies selling ice cream
We had to join-in on this aspect of the culture. :D
