Deserts of Cairo

Cairo, Egypt | C.2560

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Photo by: Jessica Kantak Bailey

You’d be hard-pressed to convince anyone that the Pyramids of Giza are anything less than Cairo’s most spectacular attraction. Indeed, they are the only remaining natural wonder of the ancient world. But they’re also notoriously frustrating to visit—due to the inevitable haggling with vendors over camels. Nary a travel guide, website, or recent telling of a visit fails to mention the chaos felt when trying to navigate through a horde of people insisting you take a voyage on these four-legged ships of the desert.

The presence of the vendors should come as little surprise. The image of the camel is indelible to the history of the great Egyptian civilization. Ever since tourists arrived to gawk at the site, camels have been artfully placed to help complete the experience (and the photograph). Generations have passed down the peddling trade, willing to stand in the fierce sun and tempt travelers onto the hump, just as one’s father and grandfather may have done.

Camels’ remarkable physiological adaptations are well covered. They can withstand long periods in harsh environments, drink as little as once every ten days, and consume up to fifty gallons of water in a matter of minutes.

However, we’re told that the facial structure of camels does not allow them to smile. Smiling is a complex expression involving various muscles that camels do not possess. Our friend here suggests otherwise. For when a camel is totally relaxed, its mouth slightly opens and the corners of its lips turn upward, leaving us with a gaze that displays immense satisfaction.

Whether that is due to having offered a complete pyramid visit to multiple happy travelers or being given a rare break or just delighting in his bedazzled appearance—well, that’s his business.

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