Bedouin Experience

While on our trip to Jerusalem a few weeks ago, we immersed ourselves in the local culture, met some exciting businesses, and attended a high tech conference. Somewhere in the middle of all this, we managed to sneak away and have a little fun in Southern Israel.

Our first stop along this excursion was at a Bedouin camp near Arad. The Bedouin camp now serves as not only the home for the Bedouins who live in the area but also a cultural experience for travelers such as ourselves hoping to gain a little insight into this nomadic culture. Located in a desert oasis, the place is nothing short of beautiful. 

The team entering the Bedouin oasis

While there, we were treated to traditional Bedouin hospitality and storytelling. Our host ground fresh coffee beans for us and treated us to several blends that even a devout tea drinker found delicious.

Our Bedouin host grinding coffee beans in traditional fashion

Our host explained to us the history of the Bedouin people in Israel and how their culture fits into the modern State of Israel. As desert dwellers who have survived as nomads in this harsh landscape for years, the Bedouins' skills serve as valuable assets even in a modern world that has relegated their nomadic lifestyle more of a relic of the past. Currently, many Bedouins serve in the Israel Defense Force as desert trackers. Our host claimed that a true Bedouin is still much more effective than any modern technology when it comes to understanding the intricacies of the desert terrain, and based on his stories, I have no reason to doubt him.

And of course, no trip to a Bedouin camp would be complete without a sunset camel ride to experience get the full Bedouin experience:

The team riding through the desert

Ken and Femi looking right at home on their transportation

After our camel ride, our hosts graciously welcomed us into their tents and prepared a delicious traditional style dinner for us.  Consisting of chicken and various kebab-style grilled meats over rice with fresh-baked breads, we ate family style on the floor in Bedouin fashion.

Amos, Lisa and Jonathan eating a Bedouin dinner