Dubai desert photos

[wayfaringwordhack]

Sadly, the promised desert safari was the biggest letdown of the trip. I was sold on the voyage with the idea of going to meet real nomads, in a real setting. What I got was tourist trap with a "strip mall" that made me think of Clines Corners in New Mexico on the road to Albuquerque. In other words, not good. Live and learn and try not to get ripped off next time.

But I did get to see a camel spit out its throat, so I guess all was not lost...

Tourist trap We stopped at this "strip mall" of tourist trap boutiques so that we could let some of the air out of the tires for the dune bashing.

Friendly face I was amazed at the number of people who were willing to let me take their photograph. Strange thing, however, is that two pictures seemed to be their limit. If your settings aren't quite right the first two times, too bad for you.

Dromedaries Pit stop to take pictures of penned up dromedaries. The desert safari was not what I was expecting at all. :-<

Is my throat red? This is about the way I felt about the whole desert safari thing. What a letdown.

Dune bashing Roller coaster meets sand and 4X4s...That's dune bashing.

Desert tree Not too easy to photograph quoi qu'il soit when you are zooming by in a bouncy 4X4.

Desert safari Aside from the good food, talking with a few gentlemen from Dubai was probably the highlight of the desert safari. On the whole, the safari was one big letdown. Um, have I said that already?

Belly dancer There was one dance that was a nod toward typical dances of the region. Half-naked women and Egyptian music aren't really very authentic to say the least.

fisheye portrait

Comments

[sunflower-sky.livejournal.com]

We got camels!

It struck me a while ago how cool it is that I would be riding my school bus home, and we'd be driving on the bypass road around my little city, and I would look out the window and there would be a random camel hanging out in the field past the road.

I don't like 'em much, though. They're kind of elegant from afar, in a kind of drapey, lanky sort of way, but up close they're temperamental and ugly. And they make a really obnoxious noise. I guess you put up with it when you need something that can survive in the desert for months on minimal water and food...

~D

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

You forgot to say that they stink! I don't know if it is because they are domesticated and penned, but oh.my.work, the horrible odor. :-$

[sunflower-sky.livejournal.com]

Not much worse than chickens or cows, IMHO... not that I harbor a great love for either of those, but at least they're kosher. :D

~D

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

On my stink-o-meter, chickens are definitely up there with camels, but cattle don't smell so bad. :P

[pjthompson]

Despite your poo-pooing, these are marvelous photographs. Very moody, and I love all the people shots you've done.

But tell me, was the desert safari a disappointment? :-)

And whyever did the camel spit out its throat?

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Yeah, actually I was somewhat disappointed. :P

And I think the camel was a bit irritated with me taking so many photos. :D

[frigg.livejournal.com]

Are camels supposed to do that?

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

I do believe it is a common occurence. :D Not just a reaction to me in other words. ;)

[frigg.livejournal.com]

Oh! You mean he didn't go "A Miq!" - Blargh!? :p

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's what I mean. :P

[cathemery.livejournal.com]

Disappointment:
:(

Travel in general:
:}

hee, wriggly smile! Must be a subconscious thing. ;)

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

I agree wholeheartedly with your frowny/smily analysis. :P