Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

I thought that riding camels across the Sahara desert would be an unforgettable experience. It was, but mostly because I couldn't sit down for a day afterwards. The vast expanse of ochre sand dunes was breathtaking. The nomadic guides were exotic and mysterious. The sun was inescapable. The horizon was forever distant. But the pain, well, the pain was right there. Maybe my butt is too skinny, maybe my saddle was too worn. Maybe I'm just a wuss. Whatever the cause, youch. In a way, though, I am glad that it hurt. The pain has sharpened the memory of this event in my mind. I remember the smell of the camels, the grit of sand against my teeth, and the unbelievable relief and satisfaction that came with finally dismounting.