Sand Dunes and Desert Experiences

Growing up, Roj was very close to his father’s brother, John, and his wife, Lovely.  Roj and his brother lovingly named them Villyadaddy and Villyamummy, which translates to Big Daddy and Big Mummy (as they were older than his parents).  Villyadaddy and Vilyamummy live just about one hour outside Dubai in a city called Khorfakkan. On Sunday, we drove to meet them at their home for lunch before heading out on an epic adventure they had planned for us.

We drove about an hour and a half and then arrived at our destination.  Villyadaddy and Villyamummy treated us to a full Dubai Dessert tour which started off with some ATVing in the sand dunes.  This was possibly my favourite part of the day!

Roj and I got suited up with helmets and I asked the staff if they spray in between guests for head-lice… he had no idea what I was talking about but nodded yes, however I the saw the staff taking them off one person’s head and placing them directly back on the shelf.  Roj proceeded to tell me “don’t worry about it; it’ll be fine” (easy to say if you are bald!).  Anyway, we put our helmets on and hopped on the ATV.  We got a quick crash course on the accelerator and brake, and then we were off!  Roj drove first and had no fear of bringing us up to max speed.  I think he enjoyed me clinging to him for dear life.  I went next and took a more sensible approach at first, but then started enjoying the freedom of the wind (and sand) in my face.  This was my first time on an ATV and it was definitely an exciting one!

Next up we were preparing for our dessert ride.  Our tour guide prepped the vehicle by releasing some of the air from the tires which apparently provides more traction in the sand dunes.  Once we all piled into the vehicle, we were off.  I was surprised to see steal framing around the inside of the vehicle and was informed that this is in place to protect the vehicle from collapsing if we tip over (“that’s comforting”, I thought!)

Our driver started us off with some small dips and twists in the dessert sand, and I was surprised at home much we slid through the granular terrain.  There was a caravan of approx. 7 vehicles and we were in the middle.  Once everyone arrived, we were off into our desert adventure!  The jolting journey is difficult to describe but at points we were skidding down steep sand dunes at almost a ninety degree incline.  The thrill was so exciting and I was holding on for dear life.  This tour was so much fun…. Until it wasn’t.

About twenty minutes into our ride, I began to feel queasy.  I was no longer hooting and hollering with excitement, but rather focusing on not blowing my curry lunch everywhere.  The driver had mentioned the plastic bag locations at the beginning of the tour and I quickly grabbed a handful and opened them up.  I got sick…. Badly.  Not the little cough and sputter sick, but deep into the depths of my gut, sick.  Roj asked the driver if it was possible to pull over and stop for a minute, but he explained that it’s dangerous to do this in the sand as we might get stuck.  So he kept driving… and I kept puking.  Over and over again!  Eventually he did pull over (perhaps he was worried about his interior?!) and I was able to get out and stand on my own two feet for a few minutes.  I could see the highway in the distance and asked the driver if he could continue the tour with the rest of the members, and I would walk back to the highway and meet him there.  He told me it wasn’t possible to walk that far and that he couldn’t let me (apparently there’s snakes under the sand).   We took a few more minutes to stand out in the dessert and breathe fresh air as a family... and snap a few photos (note that I'm paler than usual here). 

We piled into the vehicle and he made his way as smoothly as possible back to the highway.  Not that it’s not actually possible to be smooth while driving in the desert because there are no flat surfaces.  I’m pretty sure I was green by the time we made it to the highway. 

I know Villyadaddy and Villyamummy felt bad due the fact I got so sick on the ride, but it was actually still very enjoyable up to that point.  When would I get the opportunity to experience this again?  I’m very thankful that I got to try it and while I wouldn’t necessarily be eager to do it again, I’m glad I have the memories!

The rest of the tour was much tamer.  We were transported to an outdoor theater area with large dining tables and different tents offering hookah, henna, drinks, sand art etc. The centre of the venue boasted a large stage with different lighting.  We chose a table close to the stage and got our seats.

As we were waiting for the event, I went with mom and Villyamummy to get some henna.  The men went for whiskey. 

 Shortly after the performances began.  There was an Arabian Tanoura dancer, fire artist and belly dancer, as well as a delicious meal.  During one of the breaks, Roj and I went out front and had the opportunity to ride one of the camels… I was surprised at how tall they are and the force at which they rise and sit (things you notice when you are on top of a live animal!).

Overall it was a magical day filled with many cultural experiences and great bonding time with family.   In a poetic way, life is like the sand dunes.. filled with both peaks and valleys... and it's important to make the best out of all situations, even barfing in the back of an SUV while stuck in the desert.  Roj has promised to make fun of me and my 'dainty stomach' for years to come :P

Thank you Villyadaddy and Villyamummy for giving us such a memorable and authentic experience.  We will never forget it!