I was asked (or invited, might be better) to assist with the building of a Yurt.
It was actually more of a rebuilding. I had visited it, in a previous construction, but it came to grief in some extreme weather, and has been waiting months for a replacement part to arrive from Mongolia (I jest not!).
Now, I offered my assistance on this some time ago, and as the new “crown” had finally arrived, it had fallen due to make good on my promises of “handiness” and and likely usefulness. The owner, supplied a short video outling the procedure (in mongolian), and had obviously been present herself for the first build, but for the most part it would be, perhaps “unsklled” is unfair, but certainly, inexperienced “yurt builders”.
I should stress that this was not some back garden replica, but the authentic steppe, familly sized, article, complete with braided yak-hair ropes. Perhaps 11 foot to the peak, and easily 20 feet in diameter, this was job for as many willing hands as could be found.
I spent some time prior, wondering which tools I should bring to assist; portable steps, knife, rope, bungies (and cable ties and duct tape), spirit level… there was a place and a time for all these, but, on what turned out to be a brilliant cloudless April day, the more important “tools” were affability, patience, communication, friendship, co-operation, understanding.
I’m not generally at my best in a group of strangers, too standoff-ish. Mostly I don’t, (or won’t), make the effort. But I’m big on keeping promises, and to do that, it was about working as a team, talking , helping one another, offering and accepting advice, guidence, criticism.
Dalmallyfest taught me many things, and it also brought many friends, all of whom were once strangers, but – for me – it also meant I had to (at least) annually, move out of my comfort zone and actually use some people skills. Perhaps that’s somethng I should try to keep doing. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to meet the yurt builders.
Next week on IaDl : I’m 59 and grumpy! I’ve no wish to be sociable….
Dalmallyfest the Asylum 