Ulaanbaatar

My flight to Ulaanbaatar was delayed for about an hour but it was perfect as we approached Chinggis Khan International Airport, the sun was setting and gave me my first glimpse of Mongolia. The views were breathtaking and the realization came upon me that this was Mongolia! With amazing desert vistas and moutains that seem to go on endlessly in this vast land, all the while colored beautifully by the setting sun. I felt my excitement slowly rising, ready to see what this country has to offer.

I was able to get by smoothly and from the arrivals, I exchaged some money which was more than enough for my whole stay. A couple of taxi drivers approached me but I ignored them and went on my way around the airport. One old guy stuck by me and pointed me towards the money exchange and sim card. I opted not to get the sim card as they said there is no coverage outside UB. I also really wanted to get that digital detox. I ended up going with the taxi driver and off we were into the wilderness. I felt the icey touch of the wind but I didn't want to put the windows up as it was so refreshing and I was able to see and feel the land a bit more. We passed through small towns and I saw the occasional ger every now and then. We were soon in UB where the traffic became a bit more congested. The driver introduced himself as Baysa and I learned how to say "Thank you" from him, which was "Bayurla" in Mongolian. He was a nice old man, he was facetiming with his daughter and then with his wife which I guess was normal to do while driving in Mongolian culture. I asked him to drop me by CU, a convenience store, and I walked over to UB Guesthouse, rang the bell and made my way up to see Bobbi. The person I have been talking to for a long time before finally arriving in Mongolia. On the shared space were Emily and Rohan, strangers who will become my good friends the next day but as for today, I settled in bed and tried to get some sleep for the big day ahead.Read more