24.07.2019: Special border experiences

Crossing the border between Mongolia and Russia is quite special. On the Mongolian side, it took 3 hours, although the local guide helped the border officials with 2 bottles of vodka and money in several bites. You stand around forever and nothing happens, even though there wasn't much of a crowd. The Russian clearance was unusually quick with 2.5 hours. The only drawback: the second bus got stuck in the disinfection bath. Luckily, it could be freed with heavy Russian equipment.

Immediately after the border, you feel like you're in a different (more familiar) world.

Since we still had 230 km to go to Ulan-Ude, we didn't arrive at Hotel Baikal-Plaza (where Putin and Co. have stayed) until around 8:00 pm. The served dinner tasted more homey and was sheep-free.