A wadi is a dried river bed, which can suddenly transform into a torrential channel of mud and water, flooding villages, and anything in its path. On a good day, wadis are excellent places to explore; to find Desert Wheatears perched on rocks, to chase blue-winged butterflies (whose names I must learn), and to discover the skeletal remains of livestock and their predators.
As I readjusted the found turkey feather I had tucked in my hair, there was a flutter of movement out of the corner of my eye. My heart jumped— could it be? I scanned the rocks ahead of us, and locked eyes with an Arabian red fox. I had secretly hoped to see a fox during this trip, but as soon as I could utter the words to alert Pedro and Gil, it hopped over a small boulder, fluffy tail trailing behind. I'm not superstitious, but this felt like a good omen— a wonderful sight on our last day in Oman.
Ma'a salaama, Oman. Shukran.
I hope we meet again.
2 comments:
Your photo of the wadi and details of your words could be something out of one my own adventure.
It reminds me of the the Wadi Cherith. I have been re-reading a book about Elijah and your story makes me wonder as I do, what did he do there in his special place assigned by God and other than the Ravens, did he have a friendly fox to keep him company? Always So great to visit your experiences. Also good to see your sketches again! by the sea in the desert.
Thanks so much, Dan!
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