Camel ride in the Sahara

Mohamed making breakfast

We slept in THAT!

Camels in the Sahara

suicide ride in luage

Rob, my crew, and I decided that we had to see the Sahara even if it involved a 10 hour on-the-edge-of-your-seat ride in three different luages (8 passenger vans) – note how close we are to the hay truck in front of us. We were passing three and four cars and trucks at a time the whole way south. It seems that the drivers get paid by the trip, so the faster they drive the more trips they can do in a day.
The luage way of travel is actually very convenient and cost effective. They have no schedule, they leave the station as soon as they are full and then the next one starts filling up. Compared to the 40-seater bus we took on the way back, the luage cost 8TD more and took two hours longer, but we were able to take breaks when needed and didn’t have to worry about schedules. They are also the perfect way to travel short distances where large buses don’t go.
The desert trips begin in Douz, and we decided to take an overnight one, riding camels and sleeping in a tent. There are other choices (day trips, 4x4 instead of camel ride and multi day). However, after an hour on the camel, I decided to walk the rest of the way – now I know why they are mostly used for hauling gear – not the most comfortable ride for a novice.
Nevertheless, one of the highlights of my stay in Tunisia.

Sand in my tea

My crew, Rob and I went on an overnight Sahara expedition. Riding on a camel is not easy because they wobble as they walk. I ended up getting down and walking which was way more comfortable.  

We are still in Tunisia waiting for the wind to ease from the daily NW 20-30 knots. Every day I check the forecast and we decide, "perhaps tomorrow we'll go". And then it's the same story the next day. We tried to leave twice already and had to turn back.

My pen drive email program isn't working here either - it receives but refuses to send - so please forgive the lack of responses. Only in Tunisia - it worked fine in Europe. Too far to carry the laptop for MS Outlook Express; so I struggle with the slow connection and the french/ arabic keyboard every few days at the Internet cafe. I now have my mail on four separate systems - one of these days you'll likely receive four copies of the same letter.

Meanwhile Rob, is helping out with some much needed maintenance on the boat and over all we're enjoying life. Fresh fish from the local fishermen at our dock; baguettes and produce from the town market. Perhaps I'll settle down here? Hmmm. No, Italy has much better wine AND internet access.