Saudi Arabia's Dromedary Camel

This camel was resting in the shade of a bush in the desert.  Yes, that's camel poop in the lower left corner of the top photo - pretty small for such a large animal, don't ya think?  That scar on the camel's hip is actually a branding mark indicating its owner.

Camels are well suited for desert survival.  Its long legs keep its body farther from the hot desert sand, keeping it cooler.  The soles of the camel's feet have a thick built in pad like the sole of a shoe which allows the camel to walk on the hot desert sand and rocks without feeling the heat at all.  Camel's eyes have lustrously long thick eyelashes which give protection from the sun and blowing sand.

Even the camel's nostrils and ears are designed to keep sand out while at the same time allowing for optimum function.  Its tough hide is covered with hair and tufts of hair in some places, providing protection from the hot sun and sandstorms.  And of course everyone knows that the dromedary camel's hump is made up of fat, which can be converted into energy for the animal when needed.  This unique capability allows the camel to survive in the desert for several days at a time without food or water.

SkyWatch: Saudi Arabia Sandstorm

Sandstorms in Saudi Arabia are common at certain times of the year.

They can be debilitating - schools and businesses are closed, people are hospitalized with breathing difficulties, and visibility can be diminished greatly causing more car accidents than normal.

To  visit MORE friendly skies around the world, fly on over to SKYWATCH  where you’ll find beautiful skies posted by bloggers all over the world.

SkyWatch: Jeddah's Air Quality

There is so much construction (for years now) in our part of Jeddah that most days the sky doesn't appear blue at all - it's a dusty beige color.  Not only that, it's rare for me to see any clouds in my area of the city either.

Between construction dust and sandstorms, the air quality of Jeddah can be really bad.  I never leave the house without my inhaler.  Many Jeddah residents wind up in the hospital because they cannot breathe.

To  visit MORE friendly skies around the world, fly on over to SKYWATCH  where you’ll find beautiful skies posted by bloggers all over the world.

SkyWatch: Sandstorm Season

Allergies, face masks, trouble breathing - these are all things that come to mind during sandstorm season here in Jeddah.

Sometimes it's so bad that school is cancelled.  Hospital emergency rooms generally see an upswing in patients with breathing difficulties.

And maids are kept busier than normal trying to keep up with the dusting required to keep homes clean.  




To visit MORE friendly skies around the world, fly on over to SKYWATCH where you’ll find beautiful skies posted by bloggers all over the world.