This still feels alittle surreal typing it. I knew I was going to meet a familiar face on the last leg of this trip and I felt both excited and elated at the same time.

The last part of our journey was a visit to Kharakhorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, before a last night in our nomad host’s ger.

The first time I was in Mongolia, I was so smitten by our host, Nergui. I remember clearly how our eyes met when the door of our van opened, and I felt so intrigued by this person.

And true enough, he was a charming one. Nergui commanded the room, was confident, and has one of the purest, kind souls I’ve ever met.

He served us cold, fermented horse milk (Airag) the moment we arrived. This was unlike the version we’d tried previously – it was fresh, easy to drink.

And in true Mongolian fashion, the final night is always a celebration – so our driver and tour guide got started with prepping Mongolian BBQ for our dinner that evening.

Nergui also took me horseriding.

We spent the evening catching up and learning more about each others’ cultures. That was when Nergui made a remark that he’d gift me a horse, and I thought he was joking and would forget it the next day. Afterall, what was I gonna do with a horse too?!

And the next day before I left… He went to choose a horse for me.

Ellie is a baby horse, born in June 2025 (around the time I last visited!). She is the youngest amongst all the baby horses born this year, is cream-colored (his fav horse color) and is a timid one like her mom. May you grow healthy and happy, Ellie!

Thank you, Nergui!

I thought that was going to be the last time I’d see Nergui, but later received a DM when I was having hotpot with mom. Turns out he came to the city too to sort out some business. So Nergui picked me up and we headed to the highest spot in the city for some night views.

Nergui is unable to speak English, and obviously I can’t speak Mongolian. So it was a rather interesting one as we used Google Translate but was able to understand and laugh at each others’ jokes.

Thank you again for the amazing hospitality, Nergui.

And thank you Mongolia, for once again showing me the best nature, and for showing me how beautiful and simple life can be.

Lots of love,

Olly’25