The part I found most interesting about the country of Chad was this.
Very similar to the western US Monument Valley.
We will check it out in a while.
Almost 1,300,000 square miles, Chad is home to about 16 million people.
Mostly desert and savanna...and Lake Chad, of course.
Climate change is not questioned here...this is what has happened over the years-
With smaller areas looking much like this-
A Continent-wide project is underway to save Lake Chad..before it is lost to the desert...and just becomes so much (more) reddish sand.
The northern third of the country is consumed by The Sahara Desert.
Our first glimpse of the Sahara.
This area of Chad is lucky to receive 11 inches of rainfall in a year.
Nothing, if not resourceful, the denizens of this dry area combine the two resources they have in abundance (...camels and a beautiful sandy otherworldly landscape...) into tourism.
More specifically...Camel Treks through the Sahara.
Now that is making lemonade from lemons!
The Sara are the most populous ethnic group here and polygamy is common and accepted.
The official languages are Arabic and French.
The religions here are from Catholic and Protestant to 4 different sects of Muslim. Also various indigenous tribal religions. Despite the diversity, they all co-exist peacefully.
It seems we could learn a great deal from Chad.
Except maybe how to cook.
Chad cuisine and beer seem to focus on millet. The white millet being ground and formed into paste balls...then dipped in various sauces. The red millet used for beer.
Mbege without the banana.
bleah
Camel meat and milk are also frequently consumed here.
The meat is purported to be quite delicious.
(...of course, these are the people who make food and alcohol out of birdseed...so who really knows???)
But I am willing to learn.
You can, too...
https://www.exoticmeatmarkets.com/Buy-Camel-Filet-Mignon-Steaks-Exotic-Meat-Market-p/camelfilet80z.htm
Needless to say...I'm going to try it...along with John, my partner in culinary crime!
Will post a recipe and photos of the process when it arrives.
Now onto what I find the best about Chad.
Exploring the Sahara by camel!
https://www.explorationscompany.com/africa/experience-africa/chad
Having actually ridden a camel before...the first thing you realize (...okay maybe the second...after their bad attitudes and smell...) is that unlike horses...they tend to sway...side to side...a lot.
You will get used to it.
When you dismount you will have the after-effect as though you have been on a boat in the ocean.
It's odd.
But, omg, the landscape you will see from your swaying but sturdy, smelly, cantankerous perch will make it all worthwhile.
Even occasionally coming across wild herds at water sources.
Private camel tour
And you will never forget what you see on your ride.
And sometimes, you will regain your sea-legs and climb the sandy dunes in the 90 degree plus heat.
By the end of the day...you'll be glad that your ride on the ship of the desert is over...
Sway a bit, yourself, as you disembark...and be grateful that camels kneel down so you can get off them-
Then, gaze upon the most beautiful night sky you have ever experienced with a million stars!
I hope you have enjoyed this virtual trek.
Next time: Sudan
