Eid Escapade: Journeying Through Jordan's Treasures

 Desert Reunion
A Night of Adventure, Friendship, and Flavors
Go where you feel most alive

Seemab Ali

It was an unexpected call that brought back a flood of memories from the past. Abdul Rehman Alfayez, a familiar face from the Shift Inc days in Riyadh, was on the line. We had both moved on since then - I had settled in Tabuk for the last year and a half while he remained in Riyadh. But his announcement that he had secured a job in Tabuk was like a beam of sunlight breaking through the clouds. Finally, a chance to reconnect with a like-minded soul.

He confirmed my availability and shared an exciting plan - a desert adventure complete with a BBQ and bonfire. After the Juma prayer, we drove to Abdul Rehman's house, leaving my car behind as we set off in his sturdy 4x4 vehicle.

Our first pitstop was a fuel station, where we topped up the tank and grabbed some essentials from the tuck shop. Then, about a hundred kilometers away from Tabuk city, we found ourselves in the vast expanse of the desert. The thrill of driving in the desert was exhilarating. I learned the nuances of desert navigation and handling a vehicle in sandy terrain. Phone reception was non-existent, and turning off the vehicle's lights resulted in complete darkness.

As we ventured further, we stumbled upon a group of friends waiting for us. However, locating their campsite in the expansive desert was no easy feat. After a 30-45 minute struggle, a glimmer of light caught our attention. Following it, we finally discovered their location.

Traditional hospitality greeted us as we were offered Qiwa, a soothing traditional tea, accompanied by dates. Then came a surprise - a special roti baked over coals, served with olive oil and honey. The flavors were unfamiliar yet incredibly satisfying.

Gathered around the crackling fire, conversations flowed. The tantalizing aroma of camel meat and rice being prepared made our mouths water. When it was ready, the dish exceeded all expectations - unbelievably spicy yet utterly delicious. I couldn't help but jest with the person responsible for this culinary delight, a member of the Saudi army. I joked, "With your talent, what are you doing in the army?"

As the clock struck 1 am, my companion, Farhan, regretfully announced his need to return to the office the next day. With their gracious permission, we bid our friends farewell and embarked on our journey back home, carrying with us memories of an unforgettable desert adventure.

In retrospect, that impromptu desert rendezvous turned out to be an unexpected treasure trove of camaraderie and newfound experiences. It was a night filled with laughter, traditional hospitality, and flavors that tantalized the senses. The journey taught me the value of reconnecting with old friends, embracing new adventures, and savoring the unexpected joys that life unfolds in the most unexpected places. Truly, it was a night to cherish, where the vast desert served as a backdrop for unforgettable memories and lessons in the warmth of human connections.