A travel experience of a different nature
Travelling through Mongolia in 2003 was an unforgettable and inspiring experience for Loreena. While she was there she met Zanjan Fromer, who was one of the conduits for her travels. He later became general director of Ger to Ger, a Mongolia-based, Nomad-centred project that supports sustainable tourism.
Loreena encourages anyone interested in Mongolia or nomadic cultures to explore the philosophy and opportunities provided by this not-for-profit, community-based organization. Ger to Ger works with individuals and tour companies, offering non-commercialized tours where people can experience Mongolia through the authentic nomadic way of life. In fact, the country is home to one of the last nomadic cultures on the planet.
Through Ger to Ger, visitors are guided by nomads along ancient nomadic trails or trekked from one nomadic family to the next where they stay in traditional felt tents, known as gers. Visitors are able to journey into the country’s spectacular mountains, lush river valleys or vast Gobi Desert throughout the year.
Approximately 90 per cent of all revenue generated through Ger to Ger’s cultural eco-tourism is used to support rural social economic development projects that benefit nomadic herder groups, rural Mongolian communities and related initiatives in the fields of healthcare, environmental protection and tourism.
And even if you never get to experience Mongolia’s nomadic culture first hand, you can still support the Ger to Ger project by making a donation through Give2Asia, a charitable organization founded by the Asia Foundation that allows you to specify the projects you want to help.
Books about music, travelling & war
Loreena always has several books on the go at any one time, but three that she’s particularly fascinated with right now are Musicophilia, Labyrinths, and The Unexpected War.
In Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain, author Oliver Sacks, the renowned neurologist and writer, explores the power of music and its potentially profound effect on people, including the man who’s struck by lightning and suddenly inspired to become a pianist at 42, and a Parkinson’s patient who’s unable to move, except to music.
“People have written to me many times over the years telling how they’ve used my music in a wide range of life circumstances, which I find fascinating” says Loreena. “This book has helped me better understand the physiology of music and its therapeutic potential.”
Labyrinths: Walking Toward the Center, by Gernot Candolini, is part travelogue and part spiritual memoir. The author tells the story of packing his family into their car and heading out on a four month European tour. Candolini, who lives in Europe, sent Loreena a copy of his book, thinking she might find it interesting. “It was a fascinating read,” says Loreena. “I appreciate when fans share their ideas and reading recommendations and I’m pleased in turn to pass them along to members of the Quinlan Road Community.”
Written by Canadians Janice Stein and Eugene Lang, The Unexpected War: Canada in Kandahar, tells the gripping inside story of how Canada’s leaders made their choices to send soldiers to Afghanistan. “This book has given me a better appreciation of how we got involved in Afghanistan,” says Loreena. “I feel it’s important for all of us to be informed about issues like this because our troops deserve enlightened and responsible leadership, which in turn requires a knowledgeable and engaged citizenry.”