Day in the desert

We rose early to sandboard before things got hot. Gorgeous and fun.

The day's plan was to pass the hottest hours in a nearby oasis. Mustafa first drove us to visit two nomadic friends who often host tourists. It was really interesting to see their systems and experience the coolness of their tent in comparison to the beating sun. It was also extremely boring to sit in the tent as Mustapha didn't make much effort to include us in their hanging out. We enjoyed the tea!

We also delighted in eating the yeast bread Hira prepared. She had made a fire in a pile of sand and ash. When the fire had turned to coals, she buried the large disc-shaped dough. We learned that the wet dough quickly forms a crust in the hot sand, keeping it from sinking. She used a knife to scrape and towel to clean the bread, and then passed out chunks of delicious bread.

The rest of the afternoon was spent at a nearby restaurant. The oasis had palm trees and water. Sadly, our tent shelter under the palms had boughts of smelling like cat pee, and worse. We journaled: what are three experiences that have most shaped, changed or impacted you during this trip?Read more