Negev Desert, Israel

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It should come as no surprise that one of my favorite facets of trekking through Israel was due to the presence of one of my favorite animals: the camel (duh).

To be honest, I’m not sure when my camel obsession began. Maybe it’s always been there. What I know is that, as a nomad, the camel is one animal to whom I can truly relate. (The gangly awkwardness, as well!)

Camels in Negev Desert, IsraelThey’re just such funny beasts. They look so happy and peaceful and give you the false impression that you can wrap your arms around them in a cozy embrace then WHAM! They’re all up in your grill.

My time in Israel was tainted by one individual—and trust me, you’ll hear much about him when I’m ready—an individual who nearly ruined the trip for all of us. He canceled all the fun activities we had planned, but I was going to throw a hissy fit if he kept me away from my beloved dromedaries. (Lucky for him, he didn’t even try to go there.)

Unlike my previous camel trek, in which we rode through the Sahara Desert over a few days’ time, this was a brief hour-long journey. Really, it was no different than a pony ride at your county fair. Only on a camel. In the desert. Smack dab in the Middle East.

I can’t say I wasn’t happy our trip was so brief. Have you ever tried to sit upon a bony camel for hours? It does nothing for your ass, let me tell you.

All things aside, the desert landscape was beautiful, despite the stark difference between the silky sand of the Sahara and the rocky terrain of the Negev. It wasn’t unlike the American Southwest; it vaguely reminded me of the Arizona desert in which I used to work (only sans cattle skulls littering your path).

And yes, I may or may not have had “Alice’s camel has…one hump…” running through the heads of everyone traveling with me for the duration of our trip. I’m only human.

Camels in Negev Desert, IsraelWhoa there, sir! No need to get angry now.

Camels in Negev Desert, IsraelThat’s more like it.

COMMENTS
  • January 15, 2010

    My God, you’re right! Camels ARE crush-worthy. As for your so called gangly awkwardness, are you the pretty blonde on the lead camel? If so, I think not.

  • January 15, 2010
    Caitlin

    I love these photos!

  • January 15, 2010

    Those teeth are scary! What an amazing experience!

  • January 15, 2010

    I was JUST in Israel (got back 2 weeks ago) and we rode camels in the Negev too! On Christmas Day, no less. A-mazing.

  • January 15, 2010

    They are such strange, beautiful creatures with their knobby foldable legs and perpetual smiles. However, there is nothing I am more envious of than a camel’s eyelashes. Glad you got spend some time with them.

  • January 15, 2010

    Gorgeous pictures of the desert!! AND THE CAMELS 🙂 I love photo Friday!

  • January 15, 2010

    Absolutely fantastic photos. I’m ready for a trip to Israel again … we didn’t go on a camel trek but after seeing this, I’m ready!

  • January 15, 2010

    1) It’s Sally the camel. Get it right.
    2) I love the photo of your silhouette. Just lovely.
    3) That last camel looks like it was created by someone at Disney.

  • January 15, 2010

    Those are great photos. The sky looks amazing. I’ve never considered riding a camel before. But should I ever find myself in a desert… I would definitely hop on one!

  • January 16, 2010

    The candid camel shots are too funny! I liked the shadow shot, too–it’s always fun to consider something from an unusual angle 🙂

  • January 16, 2010

    The landscape does look much like parts of AZ, and there once was camels here. I like the idea of a short ride or a very comfortable seat, but sure looks like fun. Someday.

  • January 16, 2010

    These photos are fantastic! I love the upclose shot with the camels in the background and I think the one of the shadow of you and your camel is great. I need to make sure that I remember to take pictures that are different like that when I am traveling.

  • January 16, 2010

    I wanna hear all about the person who almost ruined the trip for you guys! Details, please 🙂

  • January 18, 2010

    Love your site and hearing about your latest camel trek! These are amazing photos showing the true charm of camels.

  • January 18, 2010

    I went from Eliat to Beer-Sheeva and didn’t do much in the Negev. I’d like to go back and explore it further.

  • June 1, 2010
    Shoshana Ohana

    I am a huge camel lover too!!! However, I am a little confused. It’s called Camels and Chocolate–SO WHERE’S THE CHOCOLATE????!!!! Or did the camels eat the chocolate and that is why we don’t see it…..lol.

  • May 3, 2011

    All is normal

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