On a Camel through the Sinai Desert

Egypt, Africa, 2005

God takes everyone he loves through a desert.
It is his cure for our wandering hearts, restlessly searching for a new Eden...
— Paul E. Miller

In March 2005 I first travelled to Egypt for a camel trek with Bedouins in the Sinai desert. I loved it so much, that once home, I instantly booked a second trip for November that same year. Little did I know at the time of booking that this was not going to be a break from everyday life, but in fact the first trip of my now nomadic life.

I love being back in Dahab and seeing Joyce and the Bedouins again. Having arrived a couple of days before the rest of the group is so good. Joyce and I have been invited to join Musa and Moni for lunch at their family home. Being the guest of a local family is always something I enjoy and today is no exception. We are being welcomed and treated as family members. As a family we all eat together and from the same plate. After a few bites I put aside my spoon and continue with my hand, as is the custom here. There is something special about eating with your hand. While many people in the so-called first world countries consider it dirty and uncivilized, I find it quite the opposite. Thorough handwashing is common practice and only the right hand is used for eating. Touching the food creates a connection, which goes beyond anything I experience when using cutlery. It feels like I am honoring and appreciating the food even more.