Unveiling Unconventional Family Holidays: Parents Bring Their 7-yo Daughter to Discover Nature and Goat Friendships in Mongolia
Meet Teresa, Alvin and little 7yo Eva in Central Mongolia!
Meet seafood-loving Teresa, her husband Alvin who greatly appreciates his daily showers, and their adorable daughter who ended up finding a new best friend in a Mongolian goat.
Join me as we dive into the captivating journey of this extraordinary family of three. Discover the cherished moments that define their trip, unravel the secrets behind their parenting philosophy that nurtures their daughter's curiosity, and delve into Alvin's candid perspective on horse meat.
Psst: you’ll also get some snippets from their daughter, Eva, every now and then. I don’t know about you, but I love hearing answers from young children because they’re so honest and have a different way of seeing the world compared to us adults.
May this family’s experience in Mongolia be an invitation for you to venture beyond the usual holiday destinations. Because in the end, it's these unconventional escapades that craft the core memories we treasure for a lifetime.
How would you describe your partner as a person?
Teresa: Alvin is spontaneous and likes to try new things. He also loves a good daily workout and a nice shower afterwards. He gave me the side-eye when I said there were some days that we couldn’t bathe during the trip. But… it was too late. Haha.
Here’s Alvin!
Alvin: Teresa is a person who likes exotic travels and similarly, likes to try new stuff. She will do a lot of research before embarking on something new, and thus, I trusted her in the decision to embark on this trip.
And here’s Teresa!
I decided to involve their young daughter in this question. “Could you also ask your child how she would describe mummy and daddy?”
Eva: “Mummy likes to sleep in the van, and Papa likes to use his phone.”
Aren’t children just so honest?
And here’s a photo of adorable little Eva (aged 7 at the time of this expedition)
2. Which countries have you been to for family holidays? Could you briefly describe how each trip went?
Teresa: We have been to many European countries because we felt we wouldn’t be able to do that many long-haul flights after having two kids. After having kids, we’ve also travelled to nearby countries (mostly Asia).
Alvin: We enjoy mainly guided tours as it sets a big part of the planning burden out of the equation when travelling. Of course, our self-drive trips in Melbourne and Hokkaido were enjoyable as well, though we still generally prefer to go on guided tours.
3. Could you share more about some fundamental principles you have when it comes to parenting?
… And how did these play a part in your choosing to take this family trip with Beyond Expeditions?
Teresa: We only live once. I hoped that Eva would be more adventurous and appreciative of nature after her trip with Beyond Expeditions to Mongolia. Eva is quite conservative, so I was surprised that she managed to do quite well during the trip. The great company of our fellow travel mates also helped.
Alvin: Some portions of the tour were not quite suitable for the kiddo, such as scaling down to visit the waterfall and also hiking up the volcano. But generally, Eva fared well especially when this trip can be challenging, even for some adults. Our tour guide and driver were a blessing, they took care of us well and were very experienced. Eva mingled well with the group and was glad that the tour members welcomed her like their own.
Eva against the natural backdrop of Mongolia’s natural beauty.
Eva just ‘chillin’ with their guide!
4. Please name three moments during the trip that stood out most to you, and elaborate on why each of these moments was significant for you.
Teresa: For me, it was the first night when I saw stars in the sky. There were too many to count and I felt that all the worries I had were quite insignificant compared to the vastness of what I was seeing.
I am also a seafood lover and it was a strange experience to not see seafood and poultry in the supermarket. I found out later that due to its landlocked status, it’s difficult for Mongolia to get fish, among other things. It made me feel fortunate to be living in Singapore where we have everything so easily available that we don’t think that much about it.
This trip also made me realise how there were other things we have been taking for granted, like clean toilets and basic amenities. I had to plan my toilet trip around the “daylight time”, which is thankfully quite long during the Mongolian summer.
Alvin: Horse meat tasting was something memorable for me, though I’m never gonna try it again… but it was interesting to know how horrible it tasted.
Also managed to capture some TikTok videos of me working out in the great outdoors; didn't expect the reels to turn out so well!
Just look at Alvin and the product of all his working out, even when he’s on holiday in the great outdoors of Mongolia.
My favorite Ger campsite has to be the one by the river stream, where we stayed for 2 days (I forgot the camp name though). You can wash up in the icy river stream…
-inserts picture of Alvin happily sitting by the icy river stream at his favourite campsite-
… And most importantly, Eva really enjoyed playing with the farm animals.”
I dropped in a question directed towards Eva. “How about you; what were your favourite parts of the trip?”
Eva: I liked the drive because I can see many animals. I also made 2 new friends, Jean and Gwen.
Alvin: (enters the conversation to elaborate) E also named a goat ‘Cookie’ and our kind tour guide managed to catch it for her to pet.
Eva and her new Mongolian (goat) friend, Cookie!
5. What was the greatest challenge for you on this trip?
And how did you end up overcoming it?
Teresa: Using their toilets, and also the number of flies surrounding the shed when the weather got warmer. I still do not know how I overcame it, I suppose there wasn’t much of a choice. Also for others considering the trip, please bring along an umbrella :’)
Alvin: For me, it’s about not being able to bathe regularly. We had to do powder baths and wet tissue wipe-downs… I missed being able to have a hot shower especially after my daily workout sessions.
6. Would you say this trip is one that all families should take for their holiday?
Teresa: Yes, this is definitely once-in-a-lifetime trip that will remain in my core memory for a long time. The beauty of Mongolia and the steppe is breathtaking. Eva also had a memorable time here. However, it was a good thing that we did not sign up for the trip that had longer horse rides as Eva could not get used to the motion.
Alvin: Not really. Only for the adventurous. Would advise families to go on coached tours where they end their day in hotels instead of ger tents.
Alvin, Teresa, little Eva and their trusty van that carried them through the heart of Mongolia.
The scenery this family saw in Mongolia was simply magical.
A photo of little Eva and Teresa, admiring the stunning landscape.
The joy on all their faces here says a lot about their time spent in Central Mongolia.
Venturing beyond traditional family vacation spots offers a remarkable chance to introduce children to diverse cultures and craft unforgettable memories. While unconventional, these destinations foster a unique bond between parent and child, fostering enduring recollections of a digital detox away from the bustling city life we're accustomed to, allowing for a shared exploration of new and fascinating lands. Follow the footsteps of Teresa and Alvin, or take inspiration from Judy and her husband, who adventurously brought their 10-year-old son Lucas to Taiga on our Reindeer expedition!
One thing resonated deeply for me as we closed this interview: an unconventional family adventure can truly shape unforgettable family moments.
I hope Teresa, Alvin and little Eva’s Central Mongolian escapade becomes a catalyst for your own family’s exploration onto uncharted grounds with Beyond Limits Expedition. If you are now curious to understand more about what’s offered, click here to visit our ‘Mongolia’ destination page where you’ll find itineraries that’ll whisk you into the unique regions of the land.
Meet the Reindeer herders in the North of Mongolia, or scale majestic sand dunes in Gobi desert (South). Catch the legendary Golden Eagle hunting festival that only happens once every year in the West of Mongolia, or be astounded by the natural wonders of Central Mongolia.
Take your pick; each one promises you a different memory to keep.
Article written by: Valerie
Valerie, a freelance writer with a quirky infatuation with steamed buns and slightly bizarre food combinations.
(“Try soft-boiled eggs and hot milo!”)
She wishes to keep writing stories that bypass typical food reviews and appreciation of scenery, stories that inspire readers to pursue curious conversations about the unique cultures and lifestyles of every country.
