• A snapshot of the Sahara

September 18, 2004

I find it quite difficult to believe that the expedition has entered its 20th day. It has been a truly enriching experience camping and driving through the desert. Meeting its people, taking in its awesome scenery – the desert may be vast but it is far from the barren, dry landscape one expects it to be. I suppose it is an acquired taste – the addiction to the desert seems to grow as I spend more time here.

I find the spectacular desert sunsets truly inspiring. It is simply amazing to sit and watch the sun go down. A veritable rainbow of colours fills the sky, from hues of blue to various shades of orange, yellow and red. The glorious colours linger for at least an hour. And then, suddenly, in a magical moment, stars light up the sky, completing the transformation from day to night.

I was fascinated to see trees with different shades of green scattered among the sandy landscape. The sight of trees in this arid landscape always catches me by surprise.

The desert is unforgiving and uncompromising. It overpowers the uninitiated with its vastness. To me, driving through the sand dunes felt like being on a roller coaster ride. I experienced a mixture of excitement and fear as we drove through the sand dunes. Although I was inherently assured of my safety, there still lingered the vestige of fear deep down in my psyche.

I will always savour and treasure the memories of the Um el Ma Lake. Surrounded by trees and reeds, the lake has a high salt content which makes it virtually impossible to drown in it! While most of the convoy members went for a swim, I enjoyed myself plucking and eating delicious, fresh dates.

The entire experience of journeying through the Sahara is priceless and one I shall always cherish.