On our way to the camel festival, the locals love color in their clothing, buildings, homes and food. A nice change from the dirt brown desert color everywhere. This is a gas station, rest stop, mosque and beds for truck drivers to rest, no services for women.

 We had a police escort most of the way and lots of check points. My favorite was at one check point the asked if we were Americans or Germans, the answer was Germans so no checking our paper work. We were lots of Saudis with a few Europeans and me the German-American.

 The big black tents belong to the various royal families and the smaller ones for the other people. The Camel Festival or contest takes place over a month. The camels are judges on beauty and poise with the swimsuits and formal gowns at a later date. They all want world peace Jeeee-Haiddddddd!

 The day we were there they were judging white camels in a herd of 40. They  also judge the black and brown in I think single, herds of 10, 40, and I think 100. I can't remember I'll visit again this year and let you know. The man on the black camel is leading them they must follow him and make 5-6 turns passing the judges.

 The pick up truck has the babies of the mothers that can't behave without them, points are deducted for this. Amazing only female camels are judged. It is a camp of thousands only men and lots of female camels. ????

 A camel must have long legs and perfect hump it tilts neither left or right, forwards or backwards, its lips must be large and pendulous, and the neck long and upright. She must listen to the leader and strut her stuff to the judges.

 These sacks are for the lactating mothers, pasties for a camel.

 We were invited to a camp for lunch by one of the princes there was arabic coffee, ginger tea, rice and meat, sweet pancakes and fruit. Music and dancing lessons for the men was provided. Camels for the children to ride and sweets in the tent for the women.

 Our host Prince ??

 The media center at the festival, princes and the wealthy from the Gulf region all participate in this exciting event every year so it is televised and covered by all the papers.

 There was a falcon competition and also an old car show.

We were going to stop at the shopping area, where one can buy anything and everything for the Arabs favorite pet but we had some very BAD saudi girls along that came just to see boys so we were all punished with no stop. What the girls will do to meet a man. I really recommend you read Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsaea to understand this better.