Caitlin Redden, a tourist from New Jersey, had a unique experience during her visit to Petra, Jordan. While admiring the treasury, she was approached by a local Bedouin man who offered to show her around. Feeling comfortable with him, she accepted his invitation to visit his family’s cave in the middle of Petra. Redden spent time with the tribe, learning about their culture, watching them cook, and even trekking through the mountains with them.
The Bedouin tribe is a group of Arabic-speaking nomads who migrate between the desert and cultivated lands based on the seasons. Redden had a positive experience with the tribe, describing them as kind and genuine. She was offered a tour further into Petra and was given a donkey named Shakira to lead through the mountains. After spending the night in a cave with the tribe, Redden had to assure worried hostel workers that she was safe when she woke up.
The following day, Redden helped the man she was staying with track down his lost donkey, leading them to meet other members of the tribe who helped in the search. After giving up on finding the lost animal, they acquired another donkey and a mule to visit a Petra monastery. Redden summed up her experience as sleeping in a cave, almost having the police called on her, and feeling like she had her own private tour of Petra.
The hospitality of the Bedouin tribe left a lasting impression on Redden, who was grateful for the opportunity to immerse herself in their way of life. Despite the initial concern from others about her safety, the experience turned out to be a memorable adventure filled with unique encounters and cultural exchanges. Redden’s time with the tribe showcased the warmth and generosity of the Bedouin people, highlighting the beauty of travel and connection across different cultures.
Overall, Redden’s unexpected stay with the Bedouin tribe in Petra added a deeper dimension to her travel experience and allowed her to form meaningful connections with the local community. The adventure of tracking down a lost donkey, sharing conversations about politics, and exploring ancient artifacts with the tribe offered insights into a way of life that is vastly different from her own. Redden’s willingness to embrace the unknown and step out of her comfort zone led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with a nomadic tribe in the heart of the desert.
