Egypt 2023. Into the desert

We'd booked 3 trips out for this holiday but after Peter's injury we delayed the quad bikes trip so Peter could join us. 

So on Tuesday 22 August we were collected late afternoon and taken to a compound on the edge of the desert.  We were all equipped with Shemagh (traditional scarves) and sunglasses.  

After about 45 min of waiting for enough quad bikes to arrive for us to use,  we set off about 6.30pm, heading across the desert on quad bikes,  in a group of about 20 people.  

After about 20 minutes we all parked up and we're taken for a ride on some camels, led by small Bedouin children who also took photos for us and expected a tip when we got off the camels.  

We then went into a Bedouin area for a rest, taking a seat on the carpet and cushions and enjoying a cup of tea. 

Toby and Peter helped to make traditional flat bread and after about 30 minutes we carried on our way on the quad bikes,  keeping in our line with the group name "hot chicken soup"!

Although it was busy with other quad bike tours returning it was special to be driving into the sunset with a huge flock of storks flying overhead.  We arrived at another Bedouin place in total darkness,  following the path with little lamps lighting the way.  

Sitting on the floor around low tables,  we watched a show and had some delicious food,  including what we guessed was quail, which made us think of the Israelites being fed in the wilderness.  

The show included a belly dancer, a fire juggler,  which the boys thought was going to be basic, but was totally amazing,  and a Bedouin dancer who started wearing a dress but ended up spinning the skirt in one hand over his head.  

With the cry of "hot chicken soup" we knew it was our time to leave so it was back to the quads and on to the star gazing.

A powerful telescope under dark skies gave us amazing views of the moon,  and Saturn with the rings visible.  

The final part of the journey was back to the compound on the quad bikes,  at speed, keeping up with the person in front.  

At one point there was also a full size coach on the same tracks,  which made us feel very small,  and keen to keep out of its way. 

A commercial trip with a lot of people,  and other groups there too, but very enjoyable and a number of firsts.