by Ruth
Recently, I mentioned to a friend that we planned to visit Morocco next month, and our itinerary would include a day of riding camels into the Sahara Desert. My friend widened her eyes. “Are you sure it’s safe to ride a camel?”
I chuckled. “Believe it or not, riding a camel once saved my life on Mount Sinai.”
Several years ago, my husband and I toured Egypt and decided to visit Mount Sinai. After we embarked on the climb shortly after midnight, our private guide informed us that we should reach the top by five in the morning to witness the gorgeous sunrise.
However, unbeknownst to me, as we climbed higher, I began experiencing the effects of high-altitude sickness and struggled to catch my breath with each step.
“It’s only a short distance away from the top,” my husband encouraged. But my legs wouldn’t obey. I couldn’t take another step forward, no matter how hard I tried. In the end, he and our guide had to half-carry and half-lift me to the peak.
The sunrise was indeed breathtaking, casting golden hues across the rugged landscape. Yet, as the initial euphoria subsided, I was faced with a daunting challenge: how would I make my descent when I could barely stand, let alone walk?
After some deliberation, our guide suggested an unconventional solution: to ride a camel down. At that point, I was feeling too unwell to object, and thus, with the support of my husband and the guide, I was helped down to a small plateau where a few camels and their handlers were waiting.
Camels are renowned for their ability to navigate challenging terrain with ease, owing to their steady gait and resilience in harsh environments. As I was gently hoisted onto one’s broad back, curiosity and trepidation flooded through me. Although we had taken a short camel ride around the pyramid a few days earlier, I was still taken aback by the animal’s impressive height when it stood up.
The descent was a surreal experience. As the camel moved, I swayed along, lulled by the rhythmic motion. Despite my initial apprehensions, I found the ride soothing. Seated inside the chair on the camel’s back, I felt surprisingly secure.
By the end of the descent, I was nothing short of grateful—not only for the unexpected ride but for the camel’s steadfast grace. This adventure made me respect the camel’s enduring spirit and versatility. So, as we prepare for our upcoming adventure in Morocco, I look forward to riding a camel into the vastness of the Sahara.
Note: I’ve written that camel riding experience into my book, Detour to Agape. If interested, you can download it at this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD9P29GJ.
Blazing China, the prequel of Detour to Agape, is on sale at $0.99 (10/26- 11/1/2024).This book has received140+ Amazon reviews since its release about a year ago. An example review stated: “Once I started reading, I could hardly put it down. Warning: this book will change your life.” (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD9P49HW).
