The first activity for the students was Desert Trekking and Hiking, and Aden led the group through the undulating waves of sand. As they traversed the vastness of the desert, the students were awestruck by the expansive landscape, yet already fatigued after only a mile.
“Stick close, everyone—dunes can look similar, and it’s easy to lose sight of the group,” Aden cautioned, his voice steady. “Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. We’ll take shaded breaks, but sunglasses are your best friends out here. Those turbans are really helpful in this heat,” he added, nodding at the students who were bundled up from head to toe in protective cloth.
“For centuries, the Tuareg people navigated these sands using stars and wisdom. They call the Sahara ‘Ténére’—‘land of nothing,’ yet it’s full of stories, some heartwarming and some sad,” Aden continued, his gaze fixed ahead, the fabric of his turban casting shadows over his deep-set eyes. Renny had seen Black people back in America, but Aden had a different presence; she struggled to find the right words, settling instead on “exotic.”
“Excuse me, sir, could you explain some of those stories?” Chedi’s voice cut through the air as he maneuvered through the group to approach Aden. Aden turned slowly, taking a moment to observe Chedi.
“Has anyone here ever heard of the Lost City of Zerzura?” Aden asked.
“I have! Before coming here, I did extensive research. The Lost City of Zerzura is a legendary ‘oasis of treasures,’ said to lie hidden in the Sahara, guarded by giants or spirits. Medieval Arab travelers and European explorers like László Almásy, the real ‘English Patient,’ searched for it,” Chedi replied, enthusiasm lighting up his face.
“You really know a lot,” Aden said with an approving nod. “As Chedi mentioned, stories of lost cities have always circulated, but what is truly worth believing is what we can see with our own eyes. While such tales can be captivating, it’s not advisable to place too much faith in them.”
“Aden is right; only children believe in treasure-hunting myths. We should strive to work hard and trust in science. Only through our own efforts can we prosper,” a magnetic voice chimed in—it was Prince Alu.
Several students clapped in agreement, their approval of the prince’s words resonating through the group.
“I look forward to seeing what Africa will be like for future generations. The young generation shows a desire to work hard, and with that spirit, nothing can go wrong—if only that desire were shared by more than just a few,” Aden remarked as he led the group to a shaded area beneath a makeshift canopy formed by palm fronds and thin branches, providing a respite from the relentless sun. The shade was cool and dappled, flickering patterns of light and shadow dancing on the sand beneath them.
“On our sightseeing adventure, it’s best to have a clear mind. I like the desert because, apart from its beauty, it teaches one to stay focused. Some people begin to see illusions here, like oases or water, but that’s just the sun playing tricks. With a focused mind, one can distinguish reality from illusion,” Aden explained.
Renny looked around after sitting beside Nandi and spotted Joanna in the distance. With a shy smile, Joanna was chatting with a group of students, yet Renny felt an unsettling discomfort at the sight. Remembering her dream, she braced herself for the next few days, knowing they would be roommates until the trip ended.
“Tomorrow, I’ll take you sandboarding. This activity, while fun, requires you to be physically fit and stable. We’ll also encounter some plants and animals that can be hidden in the sands. Don’t worry, you’ll all be provided with gear,” Aden announced.
Excited whispers rippled through the students. Nandi, Ewe, Edi, and Renny shared in the thrill of being away from their tight, suffocating school schedules.
“Why don’t we go today?” a boy grumbled, his impatience palpable.
“The journey is still long, and there are many days ahead according to our schedule. Or don’t you want to ride camels?” Aden teased.
“Want!” the boy screamed, breaking the tension and lightening the atmosphere.
Suddenly, Aden stood up, shielding his eyes with his hand and scanning the horizon. All the students and staff followed his gaze, spotting a caravan of camels approaching, their long legs moving in a slow, graceful rhythm.
“Camels! I’ve never seen one up close!” Ewe exclaimed, rising excitedly but remaining in the shade.
“Camels were introduced to Africa around 200 CE, revolutionizing Saharan travel. Their ability to survive without water for days made them indispensable for trade and survival,” Chedi interjected, his voice carrying informative enthusiasm.
Ewe turned to him, no longer surprised. Chedi seemed to have a wealth of knowledge and a constant thirst for more.
“You’re really good at history,” Nandi commented with a sigh.
“Thank you, I’m still learning,” Chedi replied, flashing a polite smile. Ewe then settled back down as the camels drew closer.
Aden conversed with the men who brought the camels, their familiarity evident in the way they laughed together. When Aden smiled, his bright white teeth stood out against his dark skin, creating a striking contrast. He turned back to the shade and whispered something to Prince Alu, who nodded in response, a simple smile gracing his lips.
“Alright, prepare yourselves. Those who are worn out will be the first to ride the camels. Each camel can carry up to two people,” Aden instructed.
Immediately, several students ran out, forming a polite line. Ewe, Nandi, Edi, and Renny joined them, eager to mount the camels that were kneeling patiently in the sand, their mannerisms calm and collected.
Nandi glanced over and noticed Ewe staring at something in the distance. Following Ewe's gaze, she spotted Prince Alu sitting on the ground beside a camel. His posture was straight, and as he bent slightly, the fabric of his turban fluttered in the breeze, revealing his sharp jawline and high cheekbones. He patted the camel’s back gently, and the creature remained still, a testament to the prince’s comfort with animals.
Renny also observed the sight; while she had seen more conventionally handsome men, there was an undeniable nobility in Prince Alu's demeanor. She couldn't quite place it, but she sensed he had been trained in the ways of royalty.
“Alright, please follow instructions and don’t touch the camels haphazardly. Oh! Prince Alu is quite adept with animals; I believe it reflects his kind heart. But please, don’t take my words too literally—they were meant for the students,” Aden said, quickly redirecting his tone after noticing Alu interacting with the camel.
“It’s alright, Aden. Have you forgotten that I am also a student?” Alu replied with a chuckle, standing up to dust off his brown pants and hands, then re-adjusting the cloth over his face, obscuring his charming smile. Some students felt a twinge of disappointment at this action, wishing to see more of his expression.
“Yes, it’s just that Prince Alu already knows the ins and outs of riding camels and their behavior. So his proximity to the camel is no issue. I guess the camels are now all occupied. After a short distance, these students will disembark, and you shall take their places,” Aden continued, explaining to the remaining students on the ground as the camels were led forward, students happily perched atop them.
“We understand,” James, the student moderator, said, choosing to wait for the next shift.
The students resumed their journey across the Sahara, and when the next shift arrived, they eagerly mounted the camels. Nandi sat with Ewe, while others paired up quickly. However, Renny remained on the ground, unsure of who to partner with for the ride.
Noticing Renny sitting alone, Aden hesitated to make any suggestions but felt the tension in the air.
“Hm? I’m the only one on this camel. How about coming up?” Alu offered to Renny, surprising her with his gesture. Wasn’t he a prince entitled to ride solo?
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