Egypt
Egypt — Around the World Part 1
My second major trip was to deserts around the world. There is a strange attraction to barren landscapes and what might exist out there.
Research in those days was not as simple as a google search. Looking at real maps, reading Lonely Planet books and long-distance phone calls were all part of putting together a trip to unknown lands.
The map of Egypt showed a road from Cairo that looped out into the Western Desert through four oasis towns and ended up in Luxor on the Nile.
The oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, El Qasr, Kharga, sounded exotic enough. The White Desert certainly needed to be seen. The decision was made.
Seems things are not always what you think they might be. The road out into the White Desert was kind of a road in some parts, but more like a general idea in many parts. As desert sands are constantly shifting and moving the landscape, roads don’t really mean a lot.
The good thing is I had a real desert nomad for a driver, Mohammed. In a crazy sandstorm, the road??? disappeared. Mohammed frustrated, turned left and headed off into the blinding sand. What? I see absolutely nothing, zero! No indication of where we are and certainly none of where we are going. But Mohammed knew exactly where he was going. His life is the desert.
Mohammed did not speak English but was always full of smiles. Anytime we stopped, he would set up a little fire, look up at me and say “Want some tea?”
My guide and I would sleep in the back of the truck at night and Mohammed would sleep under the truck. In the mornings he would be completely covered in sand. He would wake up, crawl out, shake the sand off and ask “Want some tea?”
The landscape did not disappoint. Endless dunes, strange rock formations and great valleys showed signs of ocean beds from millions of years ago.
My research would show a hotel or restaurant in these oasis towns. Turns out that was the only thing in these towns. Fortunately, we packed our own food and kinda slept in the truck.
After an incredible desert adventure, we arrived in Luxor. Finally to hotels with beds and sit-down meals.
From Luxor, the dream was to follow the Nile back to Cairo. Unfortunately, it was just too dangerous. We were escorted by a military convey to the Red Sea.
Egypt certainly was an adventure, dangerous at times, challenging to say the least, but incredible, really. I do miss Mohammed and his lifestyle. Yes, Mohammed, I do want some tea.
All images ©Albert Normandin
