Mongolian Sunset by Andy Smart
“Andy Smart quit the UK ten years ago and now lives in Beijing. So far he has visited half of China’s provinces recording each journey in his own unique streetwise style. He has also been a teacher since 1991 developing his own successful TEFL package for spoken English in the PRC.”
Andy’s About…on his blog site adds interest and a want to read more. Look at the photo of Andy setting up camp in the Khuren Uul Mountain Pass area near the Northern Mongolian/Russian border, and you know there is exciting adventure in his writing. Believe me, his travels had ups and downs, from his goodbye to the UK, his one way ticket to China, and his “mad-cap adventure winds its way through Tibet, the Yunnan, Guanxi, Sichuan and Shaanxi Provinces,” to his “Multi-entry trials and tribulations meandering across Chinese borders.”
The excerpt below is from Andy’s first published book, Just Turn Left at the Mountain. The blog post’s main focus is on his trek in Mongolia. After all, the featured sunset header’s a Mongolian Sunset, and today is Monday, the second of May. Monday was one of Andy’s stress free days nine years ago in the middle of Mongolia.
“ Another Monday! A crazy morning of river crossings in the jeep, down the Orlon River Valley to the Hangayn Naruu National Park. River crossings are just completely wicked by the way. A hike up the sacred mountain of Khairkhan Uul to the Tuukhen Monastery. Not a bad way to start the week hey! So peaceful high up in the mountains; eagles circling closely both above and below with thick endless forests and hills surrounding us somewhere in the middle of Mongolia. If only all Mondays could be this stress free we’d live a lot longer.” (Chapter 12 – Mongolia – Where the Eagle Hunters Live – page 273)
Andy has a second book in the works. It’s based on a long driving journey from Beijing through the Hexi Corridor, the Gansu and Qinghai provinces to Xinjang, then to Kashgar and back to Beijing via Xian. He will live 50% of the time out of the back of his jeep! It promises to be another fast moving adventure story on China’s open road. Until then…
Read Just Turn Left at the Mountain…written in entertaining, and somewhat strong language. Click on the link to visit his blog site, and find out where to buy the book.
Woah Elizabeth — that’s a fantastic sunset. Wow. Nice to read about Andy too. Have a wonder-filled week. Mega hugs!
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Thanks so much, Teagan! Andy’s quite the storyteller! Entertaining and somewhat strong language writing style. His take on driving experiences in Beijing and the provinces sounds nerve wracking! The book shows the country’s beauty as well as its “dark, and forbidding places.” Have a beautiful week! Tons of hugs back! 💛 Elizabeth
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Beautiful sunset and the book sounds like quite an adventure. Best of luck to Andy. Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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Hiya D > Thanks for your good luck wishes. The trip will be in a couple of months touch wood. Wishing you a fab weekend 🙂
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Glad you liked the sunset, Diana! Andy’s book is quite the adventure story! Much better than a dry travel guide! His writing style is a page-turner! You get the stark truth with his off the beaten track travels in China! Happy Week back! 💛 Elizabeth
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Wonderful post and gorgeous sunset!
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Thanks so much, Lyn! Happy you came to visit and you liked the post and sunset! I can imagine there are as beautiful sunsets in the Palouse! 💛 Elizabeth
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We do have gorgeous sunsets Elizabeth but the ones you show us are amazing!
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Thanks again, Lyn! 💛 E
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most welcome E! xx
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Wow. A breathtaking sunset.
Andy is an interesting fellow and his travel excepts are fantastic.
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Thanks, Tess! Andy definitely is interesting and so straightforward in his writing. The book is an enjoyable read. Not the dry, run off the mill travel guide! Hope all is well with you and you are “back” home. 💛 Elizabeth
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I got the flavor of Andy’s travel writing and really like it too.
Soon, will need to regroup and change-up a few things. Not sure what that will involve yet, but thank you for your kind words. XX
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Hi LCTC > Thanks for your kind words and I hope there will be many more. Wishing you a fantastic weekend 🙂
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You are welcome and hope your weekend was fantastic as well.
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Tess, good thoughts for your regrouping plan. Hoping it will benefit you too Take care, my friend! 💛Elizabeth
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Stunning sunset, Elizabeth.
Almost as stunning as your soul, my friend.
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Awww…thanks so much Robert! Happy your liked the sunset! 💛 Elizabeth
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Reblogged this on Just Turn Left.
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Thanks so much for the reblog, Andy! Happy Traveling and Writing! 💛 Elizabeth
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Hiya Elizabeth > story boarding 12 years worth of ideas at the moment. Phew > all those gaps I never knew I had. Have a great Sunday mate
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Andy, keep writing! Waiting for that second book! Story boarding is the way to go! 💛 E.
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Hi Elizabeth. Actually the story boarding is for a fictional series I have always wanted to write. 12 years worth of ideas phew!
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Yay! More writing, however this time a fictional series! 💛 Elizabeth
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Reblogged this on and commented:
Check out the review of Andy Smart’s book and blog! -OM
Note: Comments disabled here. Please visit their blog.
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Thanks so much for the reblog, Jason! Appreciate the support! 💛 Elizabeth
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Just dropped by to say hello
Thank you for visiting
A good photography is hard to find
As always Sheldon
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Thanks you, Sheldon, for your visit and comment. Happy you liked the sunset! 💛 Elizabeth
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A lovely photo for your blog! And it is wonderful to learn about Andy’s work too 🙂
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Thank you Christy for your visit and comment. Happy you liked the blog post! It was fun to do! 💛 Elizabeth
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The two of you compliment eachother’s skills in writing and photography. Keep sharing the stories and providing those magnificent sunsets.
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Thanks so much Dr. J., for your comment. I actually felt in tune with Andy when I wrote up his post. I’m looking forward to his next book and I’ve asked for more sunsets to feature! 💛 Christine Elizabeth
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