Ali took us to meet a sheik, a local community leader. As is the custom throughout much of the Arab world, our visit took place over tea. Bedouin are known for their hospitality and it’s not uncommon to share tea or even a meal with strangers.

For lunch, we were welcomed by a Bedouin family to their tent for a feast of mansaf, goat meat served on a bed of rice. When eating mansaf no utensils are used -- you just eat with your hands. Bedouin use their right hand, because eating with your left hand is considered impolite. I found it challenging to eat with only one hand, and I definitely made a mess! Luckily, our hosts granted me a lot of understanding and patience.

Traditionally, the women eat after the men, in a separate section of the tent. Our hosts made an exception for Ilana. As a foreign visitor, she was permitted to eat with the men.

Life in the desert is not an easy one. Here, Bedouin live in tents that are easily movable in times of bad weather. Since moving frequently is common, Bedouin have very few personal possessions. Beds are thin cushions that are placed on the carpet floor. And, of course, there are no televisions, running water, or other modern day comforts.

Before heading out to the desert, Ali taught us how to wear a keffiyah to protect ourselves from the desert sun and sand.

Camels and the Bedouin: To complete our Bedouin experience, Ali introduced us to some camel herders. In the desert, camels are used for transportation, meat, and even their milk.

Before leaving the desert for the day, we each rode a camel. It was an incredible experience that made me appreciate these awkward animals, who are perfectly adapted to life in the desert!

Fun fact: A camel with 2 humps is called a Bactrian. A camel with only 1 hump is called a Dromedary.

Learn: A little Arabic before continuing your journey through Jordan.

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