This is as touristy a thing to do as it probably gets. Yes. To begin with, I thought nobody would be enjoying the process, neither the phlegmatic camels nor the frowning guides, nor us, perched up in the wooden seats strapped onto the backs of these ships of the desert. But as the little trail winds around a green hillside, the spirits are lifted a bit. I pluck a leaf off a low-hanging branch and give it to the camel who is tied to ours and now he is definitely more interested in the proceedings.
After the tour, we were almost heartbroken to deny the photographer his daily bread by not buying the photos he took of us, but I’m sorry, my camera is bigger and he knew what he was up against. We exchange a couple of words with the guys who are happy to chat about the personalities of their camels and the weather, and Norway, and tourists and whatever else. The season is definitely low and there are no other visitors in sight.