My day with the Bedouin

Me and The Sheikh

The Bedouin are tribal nomads that have roamed these lands for thousands of years, not really changing in most of their traditions and ways of life. They were gracious enough to feed us a delicious traditional meal on Monday night. We then spent hours driving around trying to find accomidationis for us in Arad, eventually splitting up into three groups. All of the guys slept on floor mats in an apartment with Sudanese refugees. The next morning we drove back to the Bedouin compound for breakfast.

Bedouin Brakfast

After an extremely filling breakfast, the Sheikh, or leader, of the Bedouin tribe (an extremely influential man in not just this area, but the entire country) shared with us the history of the tribe and how currently political situations in the area are effecting them. The Bedouin used to be able to roam where ever they wanted, following the water. But because of nations and borders, they have been forced to settle into semi-permanent communities. The community that this Sheikh is the leader of has 1,000 families! It was a true honor to be able to speak with him and hear his story. He only spoke Arabic, so a friend of Cyndi had to translate for us with the help of our rad bus driver Omar. 

Talking with the Sheikh

After breakfast and our talk, the Sheikh took us on a tour of the animals he has at his compound. They had goats, sheep, chicken, camels (big and small), donkeys... It was basically Westmont farm time! 

Ugliest animal ever

Baby black lamb

The Sheik and a baby camel (stupid pole)