The Bedouin Camp

Nestled in the valley of the extension of the region known as Petra sat the Bedouin camp where we were staying for the night. Protected by some no nonsense guards whey would only let us in after convincing them I had a reservation. After that they were all smiles and very helpful and friendly. Glad to know that we would be safe once inside the compound. We were the first ones there at about 6pm. Soon after an assortmenet of Americans (2 guys from SD if you can believe that!) a couple from Dubai, a couple UN workers who were from Norway and the UK and working for the UN in Amman, and a couple who work on a private yacht harbored in Tel Aviv. They work for some super rich guy (couldn’t reveal his name). We had fun listening to their description of some of the yachts they worked on…with helicopters and full time staffs of over 70 people. Organic food flow in for one meal costing $50,000. We were all drooling at the idea of such luxary or having 1/100000th of that kind of money, but they convinced us….well kinda…that we were having more fun that night sitting around the table in the tent than most of those people have in a life time. OK….but could we trade with them for just a week or so?? ;o)) We had a tradition Bedouin dinner that was baked in ovens underground. Pretty simple, rice, chicken, potatoes, good hummus and pita, salad and olives...but yummy. One of the men who worked at the camp played some ancient string instrument while we ate. The night was cool but they brought in large, portable firepits which warmed the huge tents. All of us “refuges” sat together and another group of about 50 French people stayed to themselves. He had a good meal and even better company and conversation.
We slept on a confortable mat on the ground with very warm blankets. They had toilets and even hot showers. All was immaculate. We met the owner who was down from Amman where he lived and he sat around the fire with us last night and then again this morning telling about the area and the history of the camp. He is quite proud of the camp, which he should be. He has set up as a cooperative with the local Bedouins, so it is a win-win for all of them. I would have loved to stayed long and hiked around in the mountains…visited some more remote and more typical Bedoiun camps....but perhaps another time.