We stopped for lunch at our first real Mongolian establishment. We’d been warned about no fresh food, language difficulties and a reluctance on the part of restauranteurs to serve non-locals. All of this was obviously just scaremongery, as we managed to order and get served no problem.

The facilities were basic, a stark room resembling someone’s lounge with an extra table and chairs in. However, the food was excellent!

The lady who served us (and did the cooking) was lovely. Even though we didn’t share a word between us, it was a good atmosphere. I managed to get the details of the trip across, which she relayed to her kids. She asked if she could write on my tank when she saw the other writing. Why not? I handed her the pen and she set straight to it.

I’m not sure what she’s written, but she did it with a smile!