Mongolia
Ordering my first meal in fluent Russian (but no clue what I ordered)
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Johan Kruseman
Updated on 30 July 2024
Updated on 30 July 2024
It was time to leave UB and Naadam behind and head to Kovsköl, a gigantic mountain lake that holds 2% of the world’s drinking water supply (do whatever you want with that information). Halfway through the fourteen-hour bus ride, my previously invested time in learning the Russian alphabet became crucial: I could order food. The menu was hanging on the wall, and you had to place your order at a spot where you couldn’t see the menu anymore (so no old-fashioned pointing). So, I chose the third item, deciphered it, and pronounced it at the order counter. And I actually received a note to give to the cook without anyone giving me a strange look. I had no idea what food I had just ordered, but I succeeded!
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Traveled route: Ulaanbaatar, Kharkhorin, Hatgal, Khorgo, Tstetserleg, Red Waterfall, Zamiin-Uud
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What happens in Kovsköl stays in Kovsköl
In Kovsköl, I was greeted by a super diverse and cool group of travelers who had celebrated Naadam there and were now waiting for the rain to pass, which meant two days of card games. Here, I discovered that the cardgame I had learned in Kyrgyzstan
Mongolia
Did this story inspire you to go to Mongolia? Read more on what Mongolia has to offer, what the best months are for visiting and check the handy links for backpacking there.
