WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE ISSUE 3 2016

though the area, all run by Bedouins,
and all reflecting their history and culture
to some degree. A few are the real
deal, offering the “Bedouin” lifestyle to
hardy tourists who don’t mind cold water,
no-flush toilets and a mattress on
the ground with a blanket and no sheets.
After our experience at a similar camp in
India, we look for creature comforts like a
good bed, private bath with a flush toilet,
heating and air conditioning and maid
service. We found a perfect match at Bait
Ali, which had accommodations ranging
from elaborate tents with beds and shared
showers and toilets to adobe looking cottages
with king sized beds, modern baths
and flat screen TVs. We chose the latter.
Still there was one glitch that made for
an uncomfortable first night. We noticed
what smelled like pesticide when we first
entered the room. This was not unusual in
many of the countries infested with bugs
we have visited -- and usually the pesticide
smell dissipates in an hour or so. But
when we returned after dinner, the smell
was still strong even though I turned the
air conditioning fan to high when we left.
After a fitful night highlighted by burning
sinuses and eyes, I went to the front desk
and requested a move. Without any drama
our luggage was moved into another
cabin with the same amenities.
20 Wine Dine & Travel 2016