12 July 2017 - Asphalt roads ended and we went off-road. We drove towards Orkhon Valley, where the pastures were significantly different than the previous, with green grass and rolling hills. There were horses and our guide, Mijji said the family that lived there produced horse milk. He said we could go to them if I wanted to take pictures but even before I could respond, the engine was off. I asked Mijji if it was really okay that they would let us take pictures, he responded that Mongolians were always kind and not to worry. And sure they were.
The kids came running out while our guide spoke to a man who was trying to hold a baby horse down so they could milk its mother. An older kid jumped on a horse to show off. Nikesh gave the kid on the horse, a pack of gum and the kid quickly walked away, not sharing with the other two. I have to say the beautiful little girl in black reminded me of Wednesday Addams. Nik had an opened pack of gum and gave it to the other two kids and they shyly took it and shared it with each other.
We came back two days later, so Mijji could buy horse milk for his dad. We had an empty 5 litre bottle in the carboot and he got it filled up. Other kids came out, and we dug thru our bag of snacks to give them whatever candy we had. There was a mentally challenged boy who came to our car and curiously poked his head in through the window. He had his arm stuck in his shirt, was struggling and needed help. Nik got out of the car to help him get his arm thru the hole. I gave him a lollipop and he handed it back to me to unwrap it for him. He also proceeded to show me his arm scabs.
I asked the Wednesday Addams girl what her name was (I had read in the Mongolian guide book how to ask), but I felt bad cos I couldn't make out what she said, though it sounded like Aisya.
We drove another 500km back to the city and unfortunately, 80% of the horse milk had spilled all over the boot and our bags got wet. His dad was still happy though, and his mom washed our bags at no charge. There's still a hint of sour milk smell on them but its fine. Something to remember the trip by.