We decided to celebrate Jeff's birthday with a fun trip to the desert. Desert adventures are super popular around here and they include all kinds of cool activities. When you book a trip through a local company, they will come to pick up your group at your villa, drive you to the desert, and host you through the evening meal and activities. On our way to the camp site, we had to stop for a camel crossing, ha!
Before we arrived to the camp, our driver had to pull out a truck that was stuck in the sand. I didn't manage to get a picture, but it's very common for vehicles to get stuck. That's why desert trips must always involve riding in a group and in a 4x4 vehicle.
Our first activity of the evening was the popular local adventure called dune bashing. Our driver, trained and driving the proper vehicle (Land Rover!), let some air out of the tires and away we went. I don't have pictures or videos of the dune bashing, either. But let me just say, it is CRAZY!!! The driver was speeding up and down the big dunes of sand, sliding sideways at times, over and over. It was super fun for the kids but absolutely terrifying for me! In fact, I ended up getting a little carsick. I'm glad for the experience but I wouldn't want to do it again, ha!
Midway through the dune bashing, the driver stopped to take some family photos in the desert sand. Loved how these turned out!
We took some more photos while we were stopped, and you can really see the vast desert landscape with the dunes. They feel a lot steeper when you're driving from top to bottom! Connor was goofing off and doing a yoga pose at the top, ha!
Finally, the dune bashing ended (thank goodness!) and we drove to the camp site. The company that was hosting the desert adventure had all kinds of activities set up at the site. Camel rides, quad biking, sand surfing, henna tattoos, and all kinds of snacks. Connor and Kaitlynn were given (or rather, were sold) headscarves when we arrived to make the experience more authentic.
Side note: upon further inspection, the headscarves came with a tag that said "Made in Taiwan." Ha!!!
We decided to try the camel rides first, and then the older boys rode the quad bikes.
We walked into the main area which was all set up for the night's dinner and show. By the time the sun was setting, the place was packed with visitors. The evening show consisted of Arabian dancers and a flame-thrower. All guests were treated to a buffet dinner with authentic Arabian dishes while we watched the show.
Guests were invited to try the local tradition of shisha, which is a form of nicotine in various fruity flavors that you smoke by inhaling through a tube. Collin and Kevin enjoyed trying it out.
We had a great time but we were ready to get home after the shows concluded. The desert adventure was a unique and fun experience to enjoy as a family, especially celebrating Jeff's special day.
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