While admiring the sunset in Korka, we spot this uncommon tent. Planted at the edge of the pine forest overlooking the sea, this big white canvas shape intrigues us.
© Bertrand Lanneau
When we get closer to it, we discover the owners speak French. We talk for a little bit and find ourselves invited to share honey tisane inside this teepee-yurt, as Guillaume and Marianne call their shelter. They’ve left their tent and car in Latvia, continuing their adventure to Mongolia on the Trans-Siberian. They’re travelling with Attiloé, their one and a half-year-old daughter who looks like she’s perfectly comfortable with this nomadic environment and this chance encounter. Manu is also here. He’s a friend of the little family who has come to travel a leg of the journey with them.
© Bertrand Lanneau
The tent is spacious and comfortable, even for 5 adults. We listen with rapt attention as they recount their Russian and Mongolian adventures and admire their backpacking journey with such a young child. Far from being a hindrance, Attiloé has often been their “joker”. Her big blue eyes and lovely face have opened certain doors that would normally have been closed to them. The yurt’s doorstep provides a magical place from which to look out over the sea and the red sun sinking into it.
© Bertrand Lanneau
The tisane is made with leaves from wild fruit that Marianne has gathered and dried. It’s delightful and the honey from Altai honey flavours it perfectly. We soak in this precious moment.
[On the road, at the 57°45’28.0″N and 22°36’14.2″E]