I have always hated the desert,and when people told me they were going to "al-barr" ,as is referred to the desert here, I would say to myself : "what is it with these people why don't they go to the seashore!!
I am a sea lover,I love being near the sea in all sorts of weather,listening to the waves, watching the gulls as they dip in the sea for food.I don't mind seeing a boat or two bobbing on the surface or even a speedboat or some kids riding jet-skies,if that area was visited by some sea-birds it would make my day ! If the weather is hot I don't mind a dip in the beautiful calm waters, otherwise I would just close my eyes enjoying the sound of the waves and feeling them lapping gently on my feet.
After all this, these people come to me from their "barr" experience all bronzed up and cheerful talking about the plants and the quiet and serenity hey have enjoyed during the vacation.They take tents,water tanks,pots and pans and spend 7-14 days,and when they needed to take showers or make wudu for prayers they drive to a nearby gas station that have water taps and toilets,then they return to their "barr" staying up late enjoying the coolness of the desert and watching the stars.
Many a days when we went on family trips I would just sit there sulking,and thinking"I should be at the seaside." I would remember all the stories and novels I have read in my youth about the "arrid desert" and the "scorching sun", the scenes of dying people in movies asking for water.." Lately I have given some thought to what people having been saying about the desert trips they have gone on and decided to throw all the negative ideas away from my head and try to see the desert in a new way and I have taken my camera along to help me.
I actually started to see the desert for what it really is,it's colorful wildlife, be it plants,insects animals or scenery . I actually felt the solitude and serenity I have heard so much about ,I was able to think more clearly and at night...the stars were so shiny and beautiful. All this made me remember our beloved prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)for he has spent his childhood in the desert with his foster-suckling mother Halimah assaa3diyah,as was custom at that time so the baby can be brought up in the clean, healthy atmosphere of the desert,where he learned to think and meditate.
