Truly Love Egypt Farafra Oasis

August 2014 Issue 3

PLEASE TURN ON YOUR SPEAKERS

White Desert

Djara Cave

Badr Museum

Molukheya recipe

Sex

4 EDITOR’S MESSAGE Farafra, when an army

vanished

6 TRULY LOVE NATURE The unique White Desert & the amazing Djara Cave

10 TRULY LOVE DAY ACTIVITIES Live the Bedouin life

12 SCRAPBOOK PAGE

14 TRULY LOVE HISTORY Badr Museum; art,

traditions and culture in one place

6 Djara Cave

The song that is playing is “We Hekaytak Eh” by Amr Diab

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10 Sand boarding

Contents

16 TRULY LOVE SHOPPING Handmade products

made before your very eyes

18 TRULY LOVE NIGHTLIFE Experience nature at its

best

22 TRULY LOVE INVESTING Various investment

opportunities for your choosing

24 TRULY LOVE CUISINES

Molukheya: so popular that it was once banned

26 TRULY LOVE OPINIONS What visitors have to say

28 UPCOMING ISSUE

18 Nightlife

Contents

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24 Molukheya recipe

EDITOR’S MESSAGE Our mission is to deliver the most accurate, up-to-date information

in order to show different kinds of visitors what may interest them.

Farafra Oasis is a triangular-shaped fertile depression with the impenetrable Great Sand Sea to the west. Its history starts in ancient Egypt when Farafra was known as Ta-iht or the ‘Land of the Cow’ due to its association with the cow-headed goddess Hathor. In Luxor Temple, Farafra is named as a source of dates and minerals. In Karnak Temple an inscription by Merenptah tells of the occupation of Farafra by Libyan troops during his reign. One of the legends connects the oasis with the mysterious disappearance of the army of Cambyses, the Persian king who conquered Egypt in the 6th century BC. In a story by Herodotus, Cambyses sent an army of 50,000 men from Thebes to Siwa to destroy the Oracle of Amun. The army never reached Siwa. Legend has it that Cambyses’ army met their fate when a great sandstorm engulfed the marching men. During the Roman Period, a fortress –presently known as Qasr AlFarafra- was built to guard the ancient caravan route to the other oases and to the Nile Valley. There is an ancient cemetery near Qasr AlFarafra. Some of the rock

tombs there were used as dwellings by early Christian hermits. There are more than 100 wells in Farafra. Most are used in the aggregation of the cultivated land in the oasis. Others have become favorite touristic destination because of their warm temperature and the slight percentage of Sulfurous in their water. There is also a huge lake 15 kilometers north of Farafra. Most visitors to Farafra Oasis go there to see the White Desert which is renowned for its spectacular scenery. The White Desert is located north of Fara-fra. The 2009 movie, Cairo Time, starring Patricia Clarkson, Alexander Siddig and Elena Anaya, was partly filmed in Farafra and the White Desert. The White Desert was also the featured location in the music video for "Echoes" by the Klaxons. Farafra is best visited between September and April. It is 627 kilometers away from Cairo which is approximately a seven hour car drive.

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Ideas and content are copyright and property of Sarkiss Publicity and

Advertising Registered in Egypt: 64958 truly-love-egypt@sarkiss.net

Manager, Editor and Designer Amani Adel Sarkiss Freelance Writers Aisha Abdelwahab Basma Amer Heba Ghoneim Refan AbdelNabi Photography Ahmed Yaqub: p2 amyaqub@hotmail.com Nahla Alwy: Cover, p15 top left Mohamed Nabil Hammad: p8 top, p11 bottom right, p19 middle Mohamed Gelany & anonymous photographers: all other Farafra photos Amal Sarkiss: p3 bottom, p24 Amani Sarkiss: p28 Opinions p26 & 27: individuals Yahoo Images: all other photos

Manager, Editor and Designer

Amani Adel Sarkiss

TRULY LOVE NATURE By Refan AbdelNabi

Sunlight reflects off Crystal Mountain enveloping the twinkling surface that is believed to be the remains of a cave constituting the mountain. Nearby, the Black Desert landscape, composed of volcanic rock, is home to a number of dinosaur fossils as well as other ancient remnants. Found in the Western Desert, the construction of the White Desert and the enchanting formations in Djara Cave compose two of the many attractions and natural phenomena that is Farafra. Located 40 kilometers north of Farafra, the White Desert is a protected area under the Egyptian government. It’s officially known as the White Desert National Park. There are specific routes 4 wheel-drive vehicles take when driving in the White Desert in order to

show visitors the desert’s landmarks. Drivers who leave the designated routes are penalized. Other vehicles can roam the outward roads in what is known as the Old Desert. Bursting with a distinct variety of natural rock figures, the White Desert is famous for its rich 20 kilometer chalk rock landscape with small calcite crystals settling in the clear sands. The chalk rock shapes have been formed by natural elements such as rain and rough winds in a desert that was once covered by a sea. The sedimentary rocks are named after the shape they form: the horse, mushrooms, the falcon and even human beings; and seashells can be found on them. Interestingly, these rocks are examined by professionals to better understand Mars’ exterior because these rocks

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A White Desert bird

A White Desert fox being fed

Sooty falcon nest can form on other planets as well. However, they form differently on Earth. When you enter the desert, a field of mushroom looking rocks can be seen. Then an area known as the White House, an enclosure of rocks, appears. A narrow entrance to a cave nearby breaks into the White House. After this point, camels and 4WD are allowed in the even whiter landscape called the New Desert. The White Desert has three natural wells and is occupied by a variety of wildlife animals that are rarely seen by people. The wells: Ain Al Sero, Ain Hadara and Ain Al Makfy are pit stops for foxes, gazelles and different types of birds to name a few. Tourists visit these wells during their expedition of the desert. The Dorcas gazelle can live its whole life without drinking a drop of water by taking its nutrients and keeping hydrated from its all-grass diet. Unfortunately, many of these unique creatures have gone extinct due to hunting and food scarcity. The desert fox and birds may come by in the night to eat scraps of food, so clean up well after meals or place the scraps elsewhere. Paw prints are most likely to be seen the next morning. But do not worry! Desert foxes don’t attack unless they feel threatened or frightened. Unique animals such as the sand fish, sand snake and the sooty falcon are also found in the White Desert. The silver ant is the most prominent creature of the White Desert, surviving the heat at 70 degrees Celsius as others take to the shade. The White Desert is also known for its variety of plants and is home to the renowned 300 year old Acacia tree called Santa.

Cont.

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Inside Djara Cave

Tourists and locals are taken in by the glistening site enhanced by the sun’s reflection off the rocks, thus they camp out to witness it at sunset and dawn. At night time, the sky is covered with stars and the moon is bright. It is cold at night and the natives tend to wear socks, sweaters, scarves and gloves knitted from sheep wool or camel hair. Located 160 kilometers east of the White Desert, Djara Cave -pronounced Garra by the locals- is found near an old camel track connecting Assiut and Farafra. Discovered in the 19th century by German explorer, Gerhard Rohlfs, the cave’s formation is a combination of water dripping over the years and becoming integrated with the dry desert climate. The once wet area is now without water. In other caves, the formations are wet and dripping because they are still growing, but Djara Cave

has fully grown and is dry. The limestone rocks dangle from the ceiling in column-like formations. The 80 meter long and 17 meter deep cave has an excessive amount of these column-like rocks that could reach up to six meters in length! Amazingly, it can take a thousand years for a formation to grow a centimeter. Djara maintains its own share of prehistoric art illustrating animals and man and is based on a good amount of leveled ground. However, it is difficult to stand up straight due to the long limestone figures. Wearing a helmet is recommended to avoid being scratched by the spiky rocks. Tourists may add their names to the visitors’ book that is placed at the entrance.

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TRULY LOVE DAY ACTIVITIES By Basma Amer

Farafra Oasis is a spec of nostalgia amidst Egypt’s Western Desert. This timeless place is a perfect getaway from all the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. A trip to Farafra Oasis means taking it slow and appreciating the simpler things in life. This exotic destination upholds some of the Bedouins’ long forgotten customs and traditions. Some of these customs and traditions are beautifully emulated through the city’s aesthetic mud brick homes and the inhabitants’ handmade arts and crafts displayed in the Badr Museum. This traditional charm continues to be upheld throughout many of the hotels. It is clear that Farafrans prefer to maintain an atmosphere that is in sync with Qasr Al-Farafra (Fortress of Farafra), which is the only established city in the area and is located near the center of Farafra Oasis. There you can mingle with the locals at Gamayit Al-Haya (The Life Association), where you’ll be able to buy Bedouin handmade products. And if you plan your trip so that you’re there on a Thursday, you won’t want to miss the marketplace specifically held on that day. More handmade products, clothes and different types of fruit are sold there. Moreover, you’ll get a greater sense of how Bedouins live. Another really exciting way to get the true feel of Bedouin life is through experiencing the desert.

Have fun sand boarding, going on camel rides, or, better yet, receiving a hot sand message and healing treatment. But an all-time favorite activity you should experience is the safari excursions. On these excursions, you’ll see amazing rock formations of different sizes and shapes in the White Desert, wonder at the mysterious Black Desert, visit Garra Cave and the Crystal Mountain. And when you reach your destination, get ready to try authentically made food. Bedouins have the most unique of ways when cooking. First,

Some of the many day activities visitors enjoy in and around Farafra include sand boarding for all age groups and desert safaris. Upon request, these safaris can last days whereby tents are put up in a way to ensure both safety and privacy.

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The Bedouins of the Western Desert have a unique way of making bread. Coal is fired up to make tea. The coal and the sand beneath it are removed; creating a shallow hole. Bread dough is covered with the hot sand and coals and is left to cook. When it’s ready, the sand is simply brushed off with ease. The result is delicious.

they fire up coal to make tea and allow the coal to continue to blaze for some time. Then they remove the coal and the sand underneath; creating a small hole. Everything that needs to be cooked -from raw meat to bread dough- is covered, once more, with the hot sand and coals and are left to cook for several hours. When it’s ready, you won’t believe your eyes! The food is thoroughly cooked and the sand is simply brushed off with ease. The only thing left to do is eat some of the most delicious food you’ve ever had!

SCRAPBOOK PAGE

By Aisha AbdelWahab TRULY LOVE HISTORY

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Above: A painting depicting a bridal henna night. Below: Artist Badr Abdel Moghny at work.

Farafra is that famous and most isolated oasis in the Western Desert, situated to the north-west of Dakhla, in the largest depression in the Libyan Desert. Farafra is where you unleash your adventurous self as you succumb to the breathtaking scenery that has passed through different eras and has been seen by different generations. It's on this same land that many legends have been made, stories have been told, and adventures lived. Although it might seem like a simple oasis in a simple desert with the simplest of people, it's this same simplicity that intrigues most of us. Badr Museum is the very location at which you fully grasp the idea of the Bedouins' day-to-day life and their traditions as well as have a peek at the oldest parts of Farafra. The museum is located in Qasr Al-Farafra. The museum's owner, a self-taught artist named Badr Abdel Moghny, has turned many of the sights of Farfara into grippingly earthy, detailed paintings and sculptures. His distinctive style has the people witnessing the traditional oasis life in a unique way. Walking through the museum, you will discover sculptures and paintings portraying the old parts of Farafra, such as the old houses. You can have a closer look at the Bedouin’s magnificent handmade traditional clothes and witness their daily life

through statues that represent their wedding ceremonies, traditions and, of course, their famous bread making techniques. Badr also provides statues made of mud portraying famous people in Farafra and a garden full of structures made

from objects found in the surrounding desert. For the ones that would like to keep a part of their experience as a reminder, they could always buy Badr's unique and distinct sand art and realistic statues.

As the museum is constantly expanding, with additional rooms and courtyards built to accommodate Badr's art, it is of little surprise if you come back and discover yet another part of Farfaran life that you hadn’t witnessed previously. What Badr Museum offers for your

Left: Badr Museum façade with paintings depicting what Farafrans deem vital to their lives. Right: a courtyard inside Badr Museum showing some of Badr Abdel Moghny’s work.

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An old black and white photograph of a Farafran woman baking bread at home using a traditional clay oven. This is one of the many bread making techniques used in Farafra.

eyes to see will liven up your imagination and will keep you entertained for the day. A d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n : Before going to the museum, you might need to call this number +20927510091 to ensure that it is open. The opening hours are from 8:30 am till sunset and if you would like to do-nate to the museum, a small donation of £10 approx would be fine.

TRULY LOVE SHOPPING By Aisha AbdelWahab

Farafra is an oasis situated in Egypt’s Western Desert. It is known for its unique scenery and the White Desert. Its population consists of 35,000 people, a large number compared to the mere 5,000 that used to live there in 2002. However, this didn't stop the population from inheriting their ancestors' traditions; such as their bread making techniques and genuine handmade products. Although there is not much variety in the food shopping department, in Farafra you get to experience genuine products of the local Bedouins. Food mostly consists of natural fruit and vegetables sold in the local market held every Thursday. Supermarkets can also be found in Farafra, but you might not find toast, frozen food or fresh juice. However, you will always find your needs fulfilled at your hotel. If you want to experience a once in a lifetime meal, or should I say feast, you should definitely try Bedouin food. Although Farafran Bedouins share the same land, they don't share the same cuisine. That is because Farafrans come from different tribes from different countries including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Tunisia and others. So if you encounter two different tribes, you'll experience two different heavenly meals. As for handmade products, most Bedouins make most of their things themselves. Bedouins squeeze and produce oils themselves, such as olive oil. You might experience the whole process if you go to an oil stand. Bedouins also make gloves, hats, socks and more out of camel hair and sheep wool. These are mostly made by housewives and the income is used to help their husbands make ends meet. These products can be bought at Al-Haya Association where you also watch the locals making them. As for pharmaceuticals, there are two pharmacies in Farfara where the basics, such as tablets, soothing creams, condoms, shampoos etc, are available. However, you should buy any prescribed medications from your home country or from one of Egypt’s major cities as they may not be available.

Farafra is known for its fruit (especially apricots, figs and different kinds of dates), vegetables, meat and camel milk.

Having breakfast or lunch at the White Desert is a treat for nature lovers.

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TRULY LOVE NIGHTLIFE By Heba Ghoneim

Normally, when you think of a desert, you think of a man/woman dragging their feet breathlessly to find the nearest road or even a water bottle. Now, replace that image with this one: you’re in a vast desert and above you is a beautiful reddish, pinkish, orange-ish, yellow-ish sunset that Leonardo Da Vinci wouldn’t have been able to depict in his paintings (because he would have been too busy marveling at its beauty. I may be exaggerating a tiny bit but it really is a delightful sight to see. Picture your hair blowing in the wind, add some wonderful company and voila! You have

yourself the perfect getaway from life’s stressors and pressures. Other than its calming nature, soft color scaled sand (yellow, brown-ish, and white) and its irregular shaped chalk rocks, Farafra has fantastic activities one can enjoy during the night. These activities range from sand boarding, night safaris, stargazing, campfires, hot springs, and folklore parties with Bedouins. Let the games begin! I know what you’re thinking, sand boarding? I remember I stumbled upon a picture of my friend on Facebook. She

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was sand boarding and it was absolutely gorgeous! She was rocking it with her long black hair flying behind her, and her knees bent and steady on the sand board. I can’t think of anything better than amateurishly gliding on sand with a couple of friends, family members or a significant other. The adventure doesn’t end here! Oh, no! Now that you have whirled in the sand, you must explore it! Not the Dora the explorer kind of exploring but more like 4x4 automobiles driving you around the desert to explore the wonders the desert beholds. This is a fabulous opportunity for photographers or anyone that likes to take pictures in general. There is so much potential for a picture perfect moment, with the stars glistening, and the sky’s multicolor strokes kissing the toppled rocks and sand. When you’re out in the desert, everything seems so heightened! The stars are shining, and the moon is tremendously bright (depending on the moon’s schedule, of course!). Looking at these beauties with the naked eye is not enough. Fear not, nature lovers! Bedouins will provide you with a telescope to see every inch of that sky! However, you mustn’t forget to look at the bigger picture. The sand dunes look breathtaking when the moon’s pearly rays envelope them. Staying in the desert without a campfire is like going to an empty museum. Both of which are unacceptable, and that is why the Bedouins in Farafra are prepared with campfire and tea. There is nothing more beautiful than people of different backgrounds sitting in a circle exchanging laughs and conversations. Did someone say health center? “In the deserts of the heart, let the healing fountains start.” Wystan Hugh Auden was absolutely correct when he wrote this verse. Farafra has a healing fountain, maybe not a fountain per se, but hot springs. The two well-known hot springs in Farafra are “Beir sittah”

Cont.

and “Beir Sab’ah”. So what do they treat? Well, these hot springs treat rheumatoid arthritis, and they also relax your muscles causing a sense of tranquility. Bring your swimsuits everyone! Swim in the hot springs, splish-splash, and enjoy the water gently flowing against your skin. Warning: it is best if you swim in the springs during the night because they tend to be very hot. Some tourists swim in it during the day, but it’s advised to do so at night. Where is the party at? This is my favorite part! Even though I love every bit of what this trip has to offer, this part is gold! No one can party like the Bedouins. Their hospitality makes you feel at home so it’s not hard to feel the party’s

energy and get easily sucked into it. Their parties are simple but immensely enjoyable. Everyone sits together in a circle on the floor. The circle helps the energy flow, hence making it an interactive gathering. One of the Bedouins plays a “tabla” or a “darabok” (Arabic version of a drum) while one of the Bedouins sings and sometimes recites beautiful Arabic poetry. In the chorus, the rest of his Bedouin buddies join him in harmony. Of course clapping and swaying is always a plus. Don’t be afraid to get your head into their upbeat music! Luckily for all of you dance lovers, part of the party includes dancing! The beauty of the gathering is that you listen to Arabic Bedouin music, and get to know Arabic instruments such as the “mezmar” which is basically the Egyptian version of the flute. So not only do you get

to relax and explore nature, you also get to party and learn a little about the Bedouin culture. What about the food? Don’t worry! Farafra has got it covered! Everyone in Farafra will pretty much agree with Virginia Woolf when she stated that “one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well”. And that is why Farafra has quite a few restaurants that will feed your insatiable desires when it comes to delicious food! You also have the choice of dining with the wonderfully hospitable Bedouins. They understand your taste buds’ cravings. Weather I know that you might be thinking of

Aladdin’s song “Arabian nights” when you think of the desert’s weather but, in reality, the desert is pretty cold at night. I would suggest a thick jacket or a hoodie if you get cold easily. Must haves There are mosquitoes in Farafra, so using a mosquito repellent is useful when you go out at night. At bedtime, you won’t need it as Farafra’s hotels have mosquito nets on their beds. Wishes to the reader Wishing you a stupendous and relaxing trip! Don’t forget to email us your experience. :D

TRULY LOVE INVESTING By Refan AbdelNabi

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This section is dedicated to small and medium sized investors who are looking for possibilities to invest their money from afar or move to a country where sunshine, sea and relaxation are a way of life.

Due to Farafra’s strategic location in the

Western Desert, rich soils, creative traditions

and hardworking people, it will soon be one of

the well-rounded regions in Egypt. Farafra’s

growth in the past few years ensures that

investments there would thrive.

Farafra is not well-established in the diversity

of restaurants and the number of cafes so

building more restaurants and cafes that have a

variety of cuisines or fast-food restaurants

would be a good investment.

Another good investment is more art related.

A theater, for example, could be built and

used to perform Farafran traditional song and

dance. There is plenty of space to build this

entertainment house. Locals and visitors would

find this enjoyable. The theater could double up

as a cinema and would attract locals from the

surrounding oases.

A spa for sand therapy, a common remedy

Farafrans use to remove body toxins, would be

of grave interest to visitors and could develop

Regulations and Safety Issues

1. To ensure you don’t suffer from sunstroke in the desert, always wear a hat or a cap. It is also a good idea to wet your scalp and hair.

2. To ensure you don’t suffer from heatstroke when inside a car in the desert, wet your scalp and hair.

3. To overcome sun/heat stroke, put your head under cold running water until you feel better.

4. Drink lots of liquids to keep yourself hydrated.

5. Desert nights are cold so be prepared.

6. Don’t venture into the desert without a guide so you don’t get lost.

7. Going into the White Desert National Park requires permits which your guide will help get issued for you.

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into a larger health development. The

process of burying a person in sand with

their head out and left to sweat has proven to

relieve arthritis patients, lower cholesterol,

cure gout and more. The procedure lasts 25

minutes and is believed to rid the body of 3

to 4 liters of water.

Farafrans participate in weaving and knitting.

Women make Bedouin style handbags and

bead galabiyas, amongst other creative

accessories. Both men and women weave

rugs, gloves, socks and scarves from camel

hair and sheep wool. Palm leaves make up

baskets and mats. It would be financially

rewarding to invest in a factory that produces

thousands more rugs in a span of months or

equipping these men and women with better

tools to expand and increase their goods and

selling the crafts in the European

marketplace.

Agriculture is one of the largest incomes that

Farafra very much relies on. Dates and

olives, amongst other products, are the

demanded produce of the oasis. There are

three olive presses to extract oil and not

much industrial work is done to the dates.

Therefore, a date factory would allow for the

manufacture of great amounts of dates to be

sold to different markets.

There is one hospital located in Qasr AlFarafra.

Increasing its man power and improving its

equipment would be beneficial to the

community as well as the investor. Creating a

life-line between Farafra and other hospitals

around Egypt by managing online consultations

would help things significantly. Opening

another hospital or private clinics would help

spread the patient load. Financing a dental or a

pediatric clinic with high-tech equipment and

hard workers would be a successful project.

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TRULY LOVE CUISINES By Amal Sarkiss

Molukheya

Molukheya is one of the dishes claimed to be 100% Egyptian as it has been consumed in Egypt since the time of the Pharaohs. Although the plant “Corchorus Olitorius’, the main ingredient in the dish, is available throughout the Middle East and Africa, the Egyptian way of cooking it is unique. The soup-like dish is made using only the leaves, which are finely chopped and cooked in chicken, duck, beef or rabbit stock. Coastal towns, like Alexandria and Port Said, also use shrimp or fish stock. In Egypt, the perfect tool to finely chop fresh molukheya leaves is a “makhrata”, a curved knife with two handles, similar to the Italian mezzaluna. It is quite an exercise to use it, so I prefer to use the kitchen machine to chop it quickly and effortlessly. An even easier alternative is frozen molukheya. It is not as tasty but can be used, especially

when it is out of season or if it is not grown where you live. Frozen molukheya can be found at Middle Eastern and Asian grocery stores worldwide. A dried variety may also be available but I do not recommend it as it has a burned aftertaste, which does not do this delicious dish justice. Molukheya has great health benefits and potent antioxidant properties. It is rich in more than 32 vitamins, minerals and trace elements, including beta carotene and vitamins B, C and E. Around 1000 A.D, the cooking of molukheya was banned by order of the ruler of Egypt at the time, Hakim Be Amr Ellah. Some historians believe this ban was aimed at reducing the number of divorces which might occur if the wife is unable to cook molukheya to the husband’s satisfaction. The ban must have been short lived as Egyptians continue to enjoy this favored dish.

Preparation time Cooking Time Serves

45 min 20 min 6-8

Ingredients:

½ kg (1lb) fresh molukheya leaves, washed well, drained, laid out on a towel for a few minutes to dry, then finely chopped Or a pack of frozen molukheya leaves (thawed) 6 cups chicken stock (or any other stock) 1 tbsp butter

4 large garlic cloves, crushed into a paste (about 2 tsp) 1 tsp ground coriander Salt and black pepper to taste 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional) 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)

Directions: Chop the molukheya leaves as finely as possible. If you are using the frozen variety, ensure it

has completely thawed and is at room temperature.

Bring the stock to a near boil in a large pot. Ensure it does not come to a boil! Add the

molukheya, stirring well. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and simmer for

5 minutes while stirring. Note: never cover the molukheya at any stage of the cooking

process as this will make it sink to the bottom of the pot.

In a skillet, melt the butter. Then add the garlic and the coriander. Fry the mixture for 2-4

minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is slightly brown.

This fried garlic and coriander mixture is known as “ta'leya” and is used in many Egyptian

dishes. Some add the onion and/or the tomato paste to the “ta'leya”.

While the “ta'leya” is still sizzling hot, add it to the molukheya. Stir well and adjust the seasoning. Continue simmering over low heat and stir occasionally for a few more minutes. Do not bring it to a boil.

Presentation:

Serve immediately while it is still hot, along with rice or bread. It is traditionally eaten

along with the meat used to make the stock. Enjoy! 25

TRULY LOVE OPINIONS

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I love remembering our wonderful moments in Farafra and the White Desert. When I think of the people, I remember their warm hospitality, how we were well cared for in many ways, including the friendships, the interest in us and the delicious food. When I think of the White Desert, I think of God and how this place has been there throughout time and seen many men and women come and go, but God always remains the same - beautiful, faithful, sometimes harsh but always loving. - Kim Boyd, Columbia

Farafra is a peaceful place and the White Desert is magic. I will keep those wonderful memories in my mind and my heart forever. - Pokou Olivier Dongo, Côte d'Ivoire

Farafra was an interesting place for me; full of history and today's life. The White Desert was a wonderful place. I had never seen so many stars! One day, I'd love to visit Farafra again. Actually, just yesterday I told stories about the White Desert to my friends. - Minna Parkkinen, Finland

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I left my heart to Farafra. The people, the nature and the atmosphere are truly special. I hope I can come back some day. - Katri Nikkanen, Finland

Farafra Oasis is one of the purest and most beautiful places I have ever visited. I was astounded by the beauty of nature. What impressed me most was the hot spring in Farafra. The water is so warm and clear. And Farafrans are the kindest and simplest people I have ever met. - Farida Abd El Monieam, Egypt

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