Imagine you're on a camel in the Sahara

While you're both grinning from ear to ear

So last I wrote I was telling you about Abdul’s studio inside Ait-Ben-Haddou. The UNESCO World Heritage site was a highlight of our drive into the Sahara because it felt like stepping onto a movie set - which it literally has been for films like Gladiator and shows like Game of Thrones. 

From there, we headed to our luxury glamping site, Paradis Du Sahara, at the edge of the desert. Now, I know "luxury" and "desert" don't usually go together, but trust me, it was something else. (The website photos are better than any I took so check them out! 📸)

The real adventure began when we met our camels. Mounting one is an experience in itself. They kneel down, looking all docile and cooperative. But don't be fooled. The moment you're seated, they unfold their long legs in a series of jolts that had me clinging on like I was on a mechanical bull. 

Katie’s face says it all

Our guide introduced us to our rides for the evening, and I swear my camel gave me a toothy grin as if to say, "Buckle up, rookie." (Check out his grin in this photo after our ride.) 

Me & my guy

Fun Fact: Did you know that camels can store up to 80 pounds of fat in one hump, and the size of the hump changes depending on how much food the camel eats?

Sunglasses on, cameras secured, and dignity mostly intact, we were ready for 45 minutes of swaying into the sunset.

Photo by Esther Morell

I found myself torn between trying to capture the perfect sunset photo while balancing on my swaying, smiling camel, or just absorbing the quiet peacefulness of the desert. The shapes of the dunes, the play of shadows and sunlight - it was mesmerizing.

Andrea Pook captured this beautifully

Back at camp, Marci and I were assigned the "Palace tent" - our little desert suite was a short trek away from the rest of the group. Exhausted from the ride, I couldn't even make it up one tiny dune without toppling over. Marci and I dissolved into laughter as I lay there, a heap in the sand.

The camp experience wasn't without its hiccups. Two sweet but overwhelmed young guys were managing everything, leaving us waiting over an hour and a half for dinner. It was a reminder that even luxury experiences can have their rough edges.

Shameless Plug: Hassan (our fantastic guide) and his brother have started their own glamping desert experience through their business called, See Around Morocco. While Wanderlust Voyages set up a great experience for us overall, I might consider trying Hassan's family business next time for a more personal touch.

Before bed, I pulled an ottoman out of our tent, sat under the stars, and listened to the drumming in the distance where the rest of our group was sleeping.

After days of bustling markets and long van rides, a moment under the stars felt like hitting pause to breathe in pure, unrushed wonder.

So being in that vast, quiet space sparked some pretty deep conversations among us. 

Katie (whose writing I love 💌) and I started brainstorming article ideas about family dynamics and relationships. It's funny how being away from the noise of everyday life can open up space for those kinds of talks.

This made me think of you, dear reader.

How valuable is having someone to bounce ideas off about your writing? 

So I’ve decided to open up 10 free spots for my Substack subscribers to have a 30-minute chai chat with me. 

Not writing critiques, just good old-fashioned brainstorming about whatever writing challenges you’re facing. I’m offering 10 free spots through on a July first come first serve basis. (It’s hot in Texas so I’m spending lots of time indoors.)

Here are a few things people struggle with:

👉How do I use AI and if I do is that cheating? (Huge discussion right now)

👉Substack headlines and how to make them stronger

👉What do I write on my About page?

👉How do I create a regular writing routine for my newsletter?

👉How do I develop my writing voice? 

👉How do I create a content calendar and how will it help me? 

I’d love to spend some time getting to know a few subscribers and learn something about you, your writing, and what you need help with.

If you’re up for this (which I hope some of you are) grab a 30-minute slot through July: just pick a time here.

We can have a cup of tea and sort out one thing you’re struggling with. I’m seriously good at this.

No charge, it’s simply a random act of kindness. So I hope you take me up on it! 

Stay creative, 

Jen

P.S. The chai chats are available through July until all 10 spots fill up. It's amazing how a brief conversation can spark new ideas - just like those quiet moments in the desert did for me.