Starting to go over the itinerary with Sonia. She’s getting nervous.

“While visiting a nomad’s ger, you will be offered food and drinks. Sometimes you will be offered airag, the traditional drink of fermented mare’s milk which has an alcoholic content of about 3%. If you do not wish to drink any, simply raise the bowl to your lips, as if you were taking a sip. Accept drinks with your right hand – using your left hand is considered offensive.”

I assured her she’s fine because she’s right handed and it’s essentially a Michelob Ultra.

“In general, Mongolians speak quite softly and construe using a loud voice as impolite. Please remember not to laugh very loudly while visiting nomadic families—this can be interpreted as if you were laughing at them.”

Oh, no.