Monks, Nomads & Myths
Quote from Budda that reads, “Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.” Its is on a letter board that is in front of a dandelion-knit blanket.
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do.
Welcome , to another chapter in the Around the World journey. If you are here, this ongoing series explores every country, six at a time, offering a glimpse into the cultures, histories, and rhythms that shape our shared world. It’s less about crossing borders and more about expanding perspective. One stop, one story at a time.
This week’s post, “Monks, Nomads, & Myths,” takes us to lands where stillness and story coexist, where spirituality, simplicity, and survival from the heartbeat of everyday lift. From the island serenity of the Maldives to the vast steppes of Mongolia, the temples of Myanmar to the mountain paths of Nepal, and across the closed frontiers of North Korea to the desert heritage of Oman, each of these nations holds its own rhythm, quiet yet deeply human.
So, take a breath, settle in, and let’s journey through places where myth meets meaning, and where the pace of life still follows the pulse of the earth.
MALDIVES
Official name: The Republic of Maldives
Pronunciation: maal-deevz
Capital: Malé
Official language: Dhivehi
Location: Group of islands country located in Southern Asia not far from the equator but still in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Sri Lanka
Climate: Hot, tropical
Most known for: Luxury overwater villas and resorts
Fun fact: World’s flattest and lowest country
Recent news article: Will update at a later time
My knowledge: I know of the Maldives for the luxury resorts, stunning beaches, and beautiful clear blue water
MONGOLIA
Official name: Mongolia or Mongolia Uls
Pronunciation: maang-gow-lee-uh
Capital: Ulaanbaata
Official language: Mongolian
Location: In Eastern Asia in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Russia and China
Climate: Extreme continental
Most known for: Nomadic culture deeply tied to legacy of Genghis Khan
Fun fact: There are more horses than people in Mongolia
Recent news article: Will update at a later time
My knowledge: I’m not as familiar with Mongolia
MYANMAR
Official name: The Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Pronunciation: mee-an-maar
Capital: Naypyidaw
Official language: Burmese
Location: In Southeast Asia in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Bangladesh, China, Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia
Climate: Tropical monsoon
Most known for: Ancient Buddhist temples
Fun fact: Men and women wearing longyi (a skirt)
Recent news article: Will update at a later time
My knowledge: Aside from country name and location, I’m unfamiliar with Myanmar
NEPAL
Official name: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Pronunciation: nuh-paal
Capital: Kathmandu
Official language: Nepali
Location: In Southern Asia in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: India, China, and Bhutan
Climate: Varied from tropical to arctic
Most known for: The Himalayas, including Mount Everest
Fun fact: Only national flag in the world that is not a quadrilateral
Recent news article: Will update at a later time
My knowledge: Not too familiar with Nepal
NORTH KOREA
Official name: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
Pronunciation: north kr-ee-uh
Capital: Pyongyang
Official language: Korean
Location: On the Eastern coast of Asia in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: China and South Korea
Climate: Cool, continental
Most known for: Totalitarian regime that is restrictive
Fun fact: Unique calendar system known as Juche calendar
Recent news article: Will update at a later time
My knowledge: I know of some things
OMAN
Official name: Sultanate of Oman
Pronunciation: ow-maan
Capital: Muscat
Official language: Arabic
Location: In West Asia (in the Middle East and part of MENA) in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emigrates
Climate: Hot, dry desert
Most known for: Rich history with iconic landmarks, such as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Nizwa Fort
Fun fact: One of the oldest consistently inhabited places on Earth
Recent news article: Will update at a later time
My knowledge: I’m more familiar with Oman. I have had the fortunate opportunity of knowing someone from Oman.
From Nepal’s mountain monasteries to Mongolia’s open steppes, and the temples, deserts, and islands in between, this chapter reminded me that the world’s wisdom often hides in quiet places. The monks, nomads, and storytellers of these nations show that peace isn’t found in movement alone, it’s found in meaning.
As Buddha once said, “Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.” Maybe that’s the heart of travel too, learning to listen for what truly matters, not the noise, not the rush, but the small truths that stay with you long after you’ve moved on.
If there’s one lesson from this journey, it’s this: Stillness doesn’t mean standing still, it means being present. Even on the move, we can pause, observe, absorb. Every culture, every path, every person teaches us something about how to be more grounded wherever we go.
As Around the World continues, I hope “Monks, Nomads, & Myths” inspires you to seek both outer adventure and inner quiet, to explore with curiosity, humility, and an open heart.
I’d love to hear from you: Have you ever visited a place that brought you unexpected peace or perspective? Share it below, and join me for the next stop on this global journey.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
