Camel Love & Kisses for the Sphinx

Sitting on a camel for the first time was surprisingly nerve-racking. I mounted the camel when it was lying down, and I didn’t realize just how tall they are! It shot upright and wobbled to a stand – I needed to hold on for dear life. I towered over the local boy who would guide my camel around. My camel was pretty nonchalant and easy to “steer,” just meandering along for the ride.  He appeared to love my Aladdin pants that I purchased in Turkey. He rubbed his head in circles over and over again against my leg. It seemed as though that little rub against his cheek felt really good for him.

After the camel ride, we ventured on to see the Sphinx! The best part was the local boys and girls running towards me, welcoming me, wanting to take my pictures. But not just any ordinary photo they want to take. Doing this every day to dozens and dozens of people, they are pros knowing exactly how to position you in order to produce an iconic Sphinx shot: kissing it, punching it, leaning on it, bending over in front of it, putting my sunglasses on it, etc. I handed my camera off to a young girl, who happily took photos of me. “Turn here,” “Hand there,” “Higher here,” “Lower there.” She was so quick with my movements – it took her only seconds to position me for each photo. She was awesome.

At one point she did have to run away to do something and she said she’d be right back. As I waited for her to return, a little boy approached me and asked to take my photos. I told him I already had help and thanked him. He said the girl from before was his sister, and that she wouldn’t mind. So, I handed him my camera and he proceeded to get me to do a bunch of jumping shots. Soon, the girl came barreling towards us, yelling absurdly at her brother. The two of them argued over me, pushing and pulling me in opposite directions. Because I was really happy with the photos they took of me, (and to settle the feud), I handed them both a tip. This settled the dispute and so I began to head back to the group. “Thank you. You are very beautiful,” the girl said to me. I thanked her again and said she was an awesome photographer. I regret not thinking to take her photo. But I still remember her face and her bright smile.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt