The sun rose bright and early over the camp on Black Friday, but unlike the masses that were pushing and shoving their way to department store bargains, I was basking in the beauty of the White Desert, and enjoying the quietness of its surroundings.
I loved my cozy little tent!
Our tents were close together, and they were plentiful. However, we were the only ones out there.
The Bedouins rose early to start the campfires to boil water for our morning teas and coffees.
I drank my usual cup of hibiscus tea. I found the taste exotic and soothing.
Breakfast was light, but was more than enough.
Campers began stirring and going through the breakfast line.
Everyone gathered around the campfire to enjoy the warmth of the fire.
Camels waited patiently for us 50 yards away. After breakfast, we mounted them again for a 2 hour exploration into the White Desert.
When this Bedouin started walking, that was our signal to follow him.
And so we were off!
I loved the fact that Dee Dee, a friend's daughter, brought her book to read along the way. LoL. She was a precocious and delightful girl!
During our exploration, we found out why this region was dubbed the "White Desert" by the constant evidence of limestone and quartz covering the grounds. It was a surreal experience riding camels through it, because everything around us looked like snow but the day time temps were in the low 70s F.
Dontcha think this limestone formation looks like a camel?
Here's Dee Dee again. She got bored and decided to ride her camels backwards. LoL. She maneuvered around without getting off her camel. She was an utter daredevil much to her parents' dismay. LoL.
We rode for 2 hours and lower backs, rumpuses, and shoulders were aching. Riding camels was overrated, but we still enjoyed ourselves nonetheless.
Pretty soon, our landmark loomed ahead in the distance, and the Bedouins signaled us to halt our camels. We had arrived at our destination! Yippeee!!
Behold Mushroom Rock. What a beautiful natural monument!
At Mushroom Rock, the Bedouins prepared our lunch and we were treated to a yummy meal. It was amazing to watch them prepare our lunch in the middle of the desert!
We picnicked under the shade of Mushroom Rock. Utterly delightful!
Afterwards, we found more natural monuments. I thought this one looked like a large head.
These Bedouins signaled for us to return, and we rode the 2 hours back to camp wearily.
Upon arrival, we found our campsite to be a welcoming sight!
It was wonderful to gather around the campfire to relax, play games, and chat about the day's events.
Several of the older kids read by the fire, while the younger ones toasted marshmallows.
Dusk settled quickly bringing a certain stillness to the oncoming nightfall.
The Bedouins grilled chicken over the campfire for yet another scrumptious meal, which consisted of lentil soup, basmati rice, grilled eggplant doused in Middle Eastern spices, and more yummy salads.
After dinner the Bedouins suprised us with an impromptu desert concert! They pulled out exotic instruments, and started playing lively Middle Eastern music. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. One more day remaining..... wait for it!
The sun rose bright and early over the camp on Black Friday, but unlike the masses that were pushing and shoving their way to department store bargains, I was basking in the beauty of the White Desert, and enjoying the quietness of its surroundings.
I loved my cozy little tent!
Our tents were close together, and they were plentiful. However, we were the only ones out there.
The Bedouins rose early to start the campfires to boil water for our morning teas and coffees.
I drank my usual cup of hibiscus tea. I found the taste exotic and soothing.
Breakfast was light, but was more than enough.
Campers began stirring and going through the breakfast line.
Everyone gathered around the campfire to enjoy the warmth of the fire.
Camels waited patiently for us 50 yards away. After breakfast, we mounted them again for a 2 hour exploration into the White Desert.
When this Bedouin started walking, that was our signal to follow him.
And so we were off!
I loved the fact that Dee Dee, a friend's daughter, brought her book to read along the way. LoL. She was a precocious and delightful girl!
During our exploration, we found out why this region was dubbed the "White Desert" by the constant evidence of limestone and quartz covering the grounds. It was a surreal experience riding camels through it, because everything around us looked like snow but the day time temps were in the low 70s F.
Dontcha think this limestone formation looks like a camel?
Here's Dee Dee again. She got bored and decided to ride her camels backwards. LoL. She maneuvered around without getting off her camel. She was an utter daredevil much to her parents' dismay. LoL.
We rode for 2 hours and lower backs, rumpuses, and shoulders were aching. Riding camels was overrated, but we still enjoyed ourselves nonetheless.
Pretty soon, our landmark loomed ahead in the distance, and the Bedouins signaled us to halt our camels. We had arrived at our destination! Yippeee!!
Behold Mushroom Rock. What a beautiful natural monument!
At Mushroom Rock, the Bedouins prepared our lunch and we were treated to a yummy meal. It was amazing to watch them prepare our lunch in the middle of the desert!
We picnicked under the shade of Mushroom Rock. Utterly delightful!
Afterwards, we found more natural monuments. I thought this one looked like a large head.
These Bedouins signaled for us to return, and we rode the 2 hours back to camp wearily.
Upon arrival, we found our campsite to be a welcoming sight!
It was wonderful to gather around the campfire to relax, play games, and chat about the day's events.
Several of the older kids read by the fire, while the younger ones toasted marshmallows.
Dusk settled quickly bringing a certain stillness to the oncoming nightfall.
The Bedouins grilled chicken over the campfire for yet another scrumptious meal, which consisted of lentil soup, basmati rice, grilled eggplant doused in Middle Eastern spices, and more yummy salads.
After dinner the Bedouins suprised us with an impromptu desert concert! They pulled out exotic instruments, and started playing lively Middle Eastern music. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. One more day remaining..... wait for it!
