New Tales of the Gobi Desert
PLK Lam Man Chan English Primary School, Nafeesa Seyed Ismail, Fiction: Group 2
O
nce upon a time, there was an explorer named Sven Anders Hedin. He was also a
geographer, topographer and a photographer. He once travelled to Mongol to see the
Gobi Desert. He was surprised by the peoples’ clothing so he was curious and eager to
know about it. When he was guided by a Bedouin named Bataar who knew a lot about
the Gobi Desert. Bataar said” Mr. Sven, The Gobi Desert is the largest region that covers parts
of northern and north-western China and southern Mongolia. It is the fifth largest desert in the
world” Sven replied” Bataar, It is like a dream come true. It is amazing to be here.” Suddenly, a
dust devil occurred. Both the explorer and the Bedouin ran as fast and far away from the dust
devil. They were exhausted running for their life.
Next day, Bataar went to see Sven. Sven was sleeping so Bataar woke him up. Bataar and
Sven did not go out anywhere but stayed at home because Sven was afraid of the Dust Devil.
Nonetheless Bataar was not afraid so he begged and encouraged him to go out and explore. Sven
was stubborn and did not go out at all. Sven asked Bataar” Hey! Why aren’t you people afraid of
the sand tornado?” Bataar laughed and replied” It is because we are used to this. This is not new
for us.” Sven was confused and puzzled. Bataar asked Sven” Hey, Any problem?” Sven replied” No,
I am thinking that will I be used to this also, isn’t it dangerous?” Bataar replied with a smile” You
will be used to it if you are brave to face it, you won’t be used to it if you are scared of it. Then
you will know is it dangerous or not.” Sven went to take a shower while Bataar was waiting to tell
him some interesting facts about the Gobi Desert. Sven changed his clothes and sat near Bataar.
Bataar was filled with joy. Sven asked Bataar” Any good news?” Bataar replied” Yes, I want to tell
you some interesting facts about the Gobi.” Sven took out a notebook and a pen from his backpack
to note it down. Bataar continued “Archeologists and paleontologists have done excavations in the
Nemegt Basin in the northwestern part of the Gobi Desert, which is noted for its fossil treasures,
including early mammals, the first dinosaur eggs and prehistoric stone implements, some 100,000
years old. Also, there are 45 different kinds of species in the Gobi.” Sven wrote everything then
he asked Bataar” Buddy, go and have your lunch then come.” Bataar replied” Bye!” and left.
After lunch, Sven wanted to have a walk so he decided to overcome his fears and he walked
until he reached Bataar’s tent. There was Bataar eating his lunch which was date palms and camel
milk. Sven had never seen date palms so he asked Bataar about them. Bataar was surprised seeing
Sven outside his house. He was surprised and ashamed because he thought that Sven would never
explore the beauty of the Gobi but Sven overcome his fears he was proud of him also he was
ashamed because he did not see Sven standing outside his tent so he asked forgiveness. Sven was
so curious to know about the name of the fruit and the milk he drank. Bataar said” This fruit
name is date palm its cultivated for its edible sweet fruit and the milk I drank is not from cow
but from camel, it is camel milk.” Sven wondered how hard would it be to not to eat proper lunch.
Sven left Bataar’s tent and walked to explore the Gobi.
Sven was in an adventurous mood so he explored more. He was lost! He did not lose his
bravery. He ran here and there for help, no luck no one was there but Bataar followed and observed
Sven’s footsteps and found him. Sven was happy to see Bataar. Sven took out his pen and notebook
to note down” Bedouins find lost animals or people by observing their footsteps.” After noting it
