On the way to Zaafrane, we stopped to visit the tiny village of Tamezret. View image This little walled village had very few inhabitants, but we visited the home of one family. The family had a few goats, one mule and several children. (I loved the pink Barbie purse….. View image

….The husband and wife were very hospitable and enjoyed demonstrating grinding and other aspects of their daily life. View image

grinding meal in the desert of Tunisia

 

One of our people (brave man) even tried on this “flea-infested” robe…exactly like Obi’s and posed with the family mule/donkey (whatever it is). After seeing this robe, it was obvious where the Star War’s designer got his ideas. I later noticed them for sale in the Souks, surprisingly expensive, unfortunately! A fleeting thought ran through my mind about it being a great souvenir for grandchildren until I saw the cost….too bad.

fake Obi-Wan
Left the little family behind and continued on through Douz, an oasis town, to Zaafrane, staying at the Hotel Zaafrane for one night. Zaafrane was going to be the start of the camel safari for two nights (with the exception of us). The desert was right out the Hotel’s front door and owners, along with their camels, waited every day for tourists to take camel rides or schedule an overnight into the desert.

According to Explore, “….We travel out into the vastness of the Sahara using camels, the time honoured method of desert transport….all cooking will be done over open fires using traditional methods.” Sounded great but a little camel (a few hours worth) goes a very long way, tedium sets in fast looking at nothing but sand…and more sand.

It was hysterical watching everyone in our group mount up and get settled on their camels…

mounting up on camels in Zaafrane, Tunisia

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ex-Marine supervising a camel ride in Zaafrane, Tunisia

 

…listening to those wonderful camel noises and groans… View image and after we waved them off, watching others come and go on camels. “Ex-Marine” and I spent hours just sitting and enjoying the scene. Camels have such wonderful personalities…those long lashes…chewing their cud…moaning….they are fascinating.

Explore drove the two of us to Douz, the Hotel Saharien-Paradise, where the group would also stay post-safari. and we settled in for two nights…