It’s summer time! A season for fun, travel, and adventure. Life in Raffles in not only academics but mixed with extra curricular activities as well. We have to love life to the fullest. Last June 10, 2011 Raffles students together with Business Lecturers had been to a renowned 13th Century Theme Park, located in Tuv aimag, Erdene province, 96 km. from Ulaanbaatar City. The tour was spearheaded by Mr. Henry Tan, the Centre Director and organized by Ms. Nazaretha Villacruz, the Hospitality Lecturer.  

 

This is the only camp where tourists can experience the 13th Century life. Our first stop over was in King’s Palace, where we had eaten the traditional Mongolian food, we had spent time wearing several Mongolian costumes and pose for a picture taking. While having our sumptuous lunch we were serenaded by two Mongolian boys who are playing the classical music using Morin Khuur.   We had been to the Shamanism Camp, there are several gers used by the Shamans to worship their gods. Our next destination was in Herders Camp, where we had experienced a camel and horse ride. Moving on, we went to the Educational Camp and learned the Mongolian traditional scripts and calligraphy. Most of us even had their names written in traditional Mongolian alphabet.
Moreover, our next stop over was in Craftsmen Camp, where students and some Lecturers had worn a traditional Mongolian costumes and pose for another photo shots. Then we proceed to Relay Station Camp. We had seen the ancient clothes worn by warriors during the war. Students enjoyed the archery for the last leg of the tour.
Finally, before we headed to the city we dropped by the famous statue of Chinggis Khan, “the man of the millennium.”The statue complex is located 54 km. from capital city. It’s a 40 meters high statue made of stainless steel. We had seen the world’s biggest boots in Guinness Book of World Records, the golden whip and the bronze museum with the collection of different artifacts found all over Mongolia.
Everyone was so thrilled and the students even sang songs while in our way back to the city.  We had a taste of life way back to 13th century. It was an awesome and memorable experienced indeed!
Written by: Mr. Jimmy Ello Esplanada, MBA , Business Lecturer