culture preservation

Some of the things that I like most about Mongolia is its unique culture. For example, a ger is very different from houses in the US. Also the clothing is very decorative and colorful. I'm a music nerd, so throat singing and their traditional instruments are really intriguing to me too. And the nature here is breathtaking. I can also tell that some of this is changing though - and its partly because the country is developing. For example, along with electricity comes power lines. Even though I like gers, they are mostly suitable for herders - not town dwellers. The music is being influenced by technology too. Style is adapted towards pop music, and electronic effects are added onto recordings. Mongolian clothes are worn by some people (usually older folks) on a regular basis, but usually reserved for holidays. Mongolians are known for their hospitality, but not everyone displays it and actually a few people are not friendly towards foreigners. To a certain extent, I am a part of this progress by exposing Mongolians to English (along with its culture). At the same time I wouldn't advise Mongolia to stop these changes - exposure to new things, improved roads, electricity, etc. I think that the only way to really "preserve" culture is to freeze time, and well - that isn't life. I can't tell people to stay as they are and not change. But I think the Mongolian people have something to be proud of - their history and their present culture. That doesn't mean that they shouldn't have a brighter future in front of them though :)