Riding A Camel

Today, I got to scratch off two more things from my bucket list: riding a camel and hookah smoking. No, they were never really on my bucket list but now I can say I did it…and I probably won’t do either of them again.

I went with Tim and Nik, platoon leaders from our company, and Specialist Arriaga to the Oasis. Since I hadn’t brought any cash with me, I went to the “ticket booth” to purchase a camel token and a token for some bread. I was coming back from one of the shops when Specialist Arriaga was returning from his camel ride. Nik was next and in true fashion he carried his M4 as if he was on a foot patrol. This is the same guy who shot a buffalo during leave. We told him he needs to make it more challenging next time by riding a horse and killing the buffalo with a spear or bow and arrow.

While Nik was returning from his ride, my anxiety was starting to go up. Some Soldiers were saying the camel had tried to bite Arriaga. I was starting to think this wasn’t such a good idea. I was recalling the time I was 16 and had gone horseback riding with one of my friends. We hadn’t even left her driveway and the horse started to bolt, hence, I fell off. Instead of getting right back on, I decided against it. Now, I was having angst over the actions of this camel.

It was my turn. On the camel I went and I was seriously sweating and my heart was racing. I was thinking if only I could just get a picture with me sitting on the camel. Now, I wish I could speak Arabic to let the boy with a stick know, I didn’t want a ride. Up the camel went. Unbelievable how tall they are when you are sitting on one. Their gait is less than desirable. I wouldn’t have wanted to ride any longer than the block ride that the boy led the camel. As I was coming back, one of the shop owners came over with a saber and handed it to me to hold over my head in true warrior fashion. What the hell, now I couldn’t hold on with both hands!

Probable the worst part of the camel ride was when the camel knelt down for me to get off. Since they are so tall, they drop to their knees. I liken this to the first drop of a roller coaster ride. I knew it was coming and it was a steep drop. Finally, I was on the sweet ground…never to ride a camel again!

I purchased some of the Iraqi bread. I tried not to think that one question; did he wash his hands? Their bread is excellent. The only thing that would have made it better is if I had purchased some butter, cinnamon and sugar.

The guys arranged for a hookah and Tim bought us coffee. The hookah was interesting but shortly after, I got a headache. Again, nothing I’ll try again.

All in all, I’m glad I tried it and it brought some change to my day. One more day down in Iraq!



Nik patroling on his camel.




I'm smiling since my ride is over!




The guy used the pillow to slap the bread onto the oven wall.