Did I want to ride a camel? Nearby sand dunes waited in silence for my answer, their honey-colored lips curled as if to laugh. I looked around for an exit, but once I'd come this far there was no tactful way out. A dishdasha-clad Bedouin boy led a shaggy dromedary towards me. With trepidation, I eyed the dark leather reins. What? No saddle? No, just a red, white, and blue plaid wool blanket to cushion me from this bony beast! My camera-toting mate stood ready for an action shot and encouraged me to get on. (Now that it's over, I must admit I find the photos hilarious.)

The camel obediently thumped to the ground. Cautiously I approached and mounted, clutching the belly strap tightly. I got the sensation of a slow elevator ride as the rear legs unfolded jerkily, lifting me and thrusting my body forward. "Lean back! Lean back!" I did. The front appendages straightened clumsily and suddenly I was camel riding!

The camel promptly broke into a trot while I hollered to the boy to slow down, but he didn't understand English. For $8, the ride was--thankfully--quite short. Soon the gait slowed, and we three--the beast, the lad, and me--returned to the village. Reversing the procedure to dismount was another feat...

Everyone should try riding a camel at least once. I've already done it twice--my first time and my last. Yes, next time I'll leave camel riding to the experts--the mechanical jockeys who get orders from the instructor via remote control. No fuss, no muss, no smell! Then I'll have more time for shopping in the souqs and the markets, or just enjoying the sun while ferrying across Dubai creek.

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First Published: Jul 17, 2005