Mongolia is a land of constant surprises. Renowned for its classic rolling steppe land - from where, nomadic Mongol clans and confederations swept out to conquer much of the known world - it also boasts snow-capped peaks towering over wide, grassy valleys, meandering rivers and great lakes. Within these enormous vistas resides an extremely proud and hospitable population that is shaking loose from its Soviet-era shackles and making the most of a liberating free-market economy. From his 20,000 kilometer journey on back-wrenching roads to places few tourists see, author Carl Robinson will take us on a virtual tour explaining the history, geography, people and culture of the entrancing land that he is proud to also call his 'homeland'. Mr. Robinson was born in the United States. Having studied in Hong Kong in the 1960s, he spent nearly a dozen years in Vietnam, first as an aid worker and then as a journalist for the Associated Press. He moved to Australia in the late '70s where he worked for AP and Newsweek. Throughout his career, he has also opened a highly popular Vietnamese restaurant in Sydney, was Media Manager for the Sydney 2000 Games and Production Adviser for the film The Quiet American. All along, Mr. Robinson continues to travel, photograph, lead tours and write prolifically. His publications include Illustrated Guide to Australia, Australia - The Great South Land, and his latest guide to Mongolia, Mongolia: Nomad Empire of Eternal Blue Sky which is due for release in February 2010. Co-presented with the Royal Geographical Society