Hello, my name is Tuya and I am a forty-year-old woman from Mongolia. I was born into a nomadic family where we would move around with our animals to find grazing land. My childhood was spent herding sheep, goats, and horses across the vast steppe of Mongolia. As a young girl, I learned how to ride horses and shoot arrows like any other boy in my village.
Growing up, I had always been curious about the world beyond our nomadic lifestyle. I was fascinated by the stories my father told me of his adventures traveling across Asia as a trader. He would bring back exotic goods from far-off lands and tell tales of cities with towering skyscrapers and bustling markets.
Despite my curiosity, life in our village remained relatively simple. We lived off the land, raising animals and growing crops to sustain ourselves throughout the harsh winters. As a young woman, I met my husband at a local festival and we soon started a family together.
Today, I live with my husband and two children in the city of Ulaanbaatar. Although life in the city is vastly different from our nomadic upbringing, we have found a sense of community here and enjoy exploring the many sights and sounds that the city has to offer.
In terms of work, I am currently running my own business selling traditional Mongolian clothing and accessories to tourists and locals alike. It is a small business, but it allows me to stay connected to my culture and share it with others.
Overall, my life has been shaped by the traditions and values of my nomadic upbringing, while also embracing the modern world that surrounds us today.