Out to the Dessert as Salim (aka Desert)

The Purdue group in the Saudi Arabia desert. 

Branden here again:

This was our first big trip away from Riyadh, the jobsites, and our villas.  We all were very excited and be no means were we let down. None of us could have even prepared for what this weekend entailed. 

The group enjoying the Saudi desert evening.

We spent one night out in the desert and enjoyed every minute of it.  The evening we participated in a desert rally race around the desert and yes mother I wore my safety belt.  Each and everyone of us had the opportunity to team up with a local from the area as we sped through the desert against the clock.  The bragging rights go to Team Nazir who picked up first place, Team Logan who picked up second, and Team Branden who picked up third.  We all had a great time.

Desert Rally

The next morning we went on a desert safari ride, where we ventured out to see animal wild life and many spectacular views.

Nazir and JD and their new decked out Hummer ride.

Before the end of our 75km journey out into the desert we had the opportunity to stop at a gas station and check out some local goods.  As Fossil, our driver, filled up our van we all made our way into the station.  Also I might add, gas here is only $0.70 a gallon and the lowest they offer is 91 octane.

Group shot in the safari truck before leaving the main complex to venture out into the desert heat.

JD and Bryan riding through the desert on the safari adventure.

Desert wildlife

Branden and Salim posing with the amazing desert views behind them.

The model shot of the week.  Ladies and gentleman I give you Mr. Dawkins and Mr. Morris.

Professor Brad Benhart and his tradition Saudi Arabia dress shielding him from the desert sun.

Branden and Nazir

Bryan Morris and Morris Motors a car and car make none of us have ever heard of.  We had the opportunity to see and sit in several vintage cars that were located out here in the desert.  It was a rare collection that all of us enjoyed. 

Branden, JD, and Logan

JD and his newest Saudi friend which he met in the buildings lobby.  For sure reason after he feed it, it became stiff.

Brad, Branden, and Nazir as they look over the Saudi desert. 

Our lunch feast. This consisted of lots and lots of food as you can see. 

After a wonder lunch, Saudi style, we all took the advantage of the summer sun and played an hour and a half 2 vs. 2 game of desert volleyball.  We all thought it would be pretty cool to say that we played volleyball in the desert.  So we played, and yes it was very hot to say the least.   I also should add that Bryan and Nazir won over JD and I.  It was a lot of fun and a closeback and forth match. 

Bryan Morris reaching for the ball in our heated match.

Nazir laying out to save the point for his team.  I think in this particular all he got was a lot of sand.

The winning team and the trophy game ball.  It was a great match.

The biggest thing we all learned from this experience was not only how to have a great time away from everything in Riyadh, but we learned a lot more about each other and the group grew even closer though this exciting experience together. 

Until next time.

Branden