Despite both being located in Asia, Mongolia and India are two very different countries. India is much more colorful and lively than Mongolia. However, it is also a little overwhelming. Everywhere you step there is a new smell and a new sound. When you walk down the road, you will find poop everywhere. Mongolia is the exact opposite. In Mongolia, they will pick up all of the poop for fuel. If you look around in Mongolia you will probably see nothing.
The climate and the density of the populations of these two countries are stark opposites. Mongolia has a very dry and cold climate. In Mongolia, you will find everyone has dry and chapped lips and skin. Everybody is always wearing at least 2, if not 3, jackets if they are to step foot outside. In contrast, the climate in India is very hot and humid. Indians just finished monsoon season, which is the very wet time of year, so the air will still be quite moist, but the sun will nevertheless beat down rays of hot light that vibrate off of people’s chestnut-colored skin.
India is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, while Mongolia is the exact opposite. If you step foot into Delhi, the capital of India, you will find it very crowded and messy, and you have to watch where you step so you don’t step on anybody, as someone may be lying flat on the floor, taking a nap. If you are flying in a plane over India and look out the window, you will probably see a town or small community through the dense urban smog. In Mongolia, you will almost certainly find snow-dusted mountains or flat, completely undeveloped land.
While Mongolia and India are very different countries, they still have much in common. The warm and friendly people of these two countries provide great hospitality towards everyone. In Mongolia, if you drive past a person’s house or ger, (a big round tent with a heater in the middle), you get out of your car and knock on their door, as it is considered rude to stand outside. People love it if you come in to say hello. The whole family will discontinue what they are doing, whether they are cooking, cleaning, caring for their livestock or riding a horse. They will invite you into their house or ger and the woman of the house will make you milk tea, cookies, cheese curds, and butter that was fresh from their cows. The man of the house will sit down with you and have a conversation. They will find it very interesting if you show them photos of where you live because it is so different from where they live. They will make you a whole meal if you don’t interrupt them.
India and Mongolia are both countries where you settle for comfortable, but not luxurious. Despite their very different climates and the density of the population, the warmth and great hospitality in both places is unique. Both countries are stark, distinct and completely unforgettable. Honestly, I would not revisit either of these places, but it was definitely worth going at least once.
Paloma, thank you for your lovely writing, describing your experience of the contrasts between two very different places in Asia.