[#wellbeing + #camels 🐫] One of the most beautiful parts of teaching for me, is when your students also become friends who you continue to learn from and grow with. Last night, I was invited to spend the evening sitting in the desert under the stars, watching a powerful movie, with friends old and new. The movie screening was on a camel farm, and our camel friends peacefully slept nearby while we gathered round to watch our movie.
The film was 'The Swimmers’.
It moved me to laugh, cry, shout out in disbelief and sometimes horror. It was about two Syrian sisters who face a perilous journey to leave Syria, and showed all the challenges they and others are met with. It was hard hitting, profound and moving. It’s hard to watch it and not feel empathy - we had meaningful discussions at the end of the film.
I also spent time understanding the camels who slept nearby. I’ve visited many camel farms over the years here in #Dubai, but have only just found this new initiative, where you can do guided camel treks and learn about camels, an animal that is often misunderstood. I spoke at length with Linda Krockenberger, who set this initiative up, and she reminded me of some facts:
1️⃣ 🐫Camels shouldn’t have to be muzzled when trained well and looked after.
They can bite, but it is rare. So to muzzle a camel is really not needed, and perpetuates a perception that they are dangerous. Instead, we should teach humans correct and safe behaviour around the animals for a positive experience for both.
2️⃣ 🐫Camels are extremely intuitive
They feel all the feels, they know when something is off around them, and they typically know when they’re being shortchanged.
3️⃣ 🐫Camels have an excellent memory
If you’re good to them, they’ll remember you. If you’re not, they’ll remember you. I have heard too many stories of this over the years! A camel will remember you even years later.
These are some qualities it’s good to have as professionals too. My experience with camels so far show me they provide a great learning experience for us all - and for students. If any #teachers are interested in arranging visits with your students, it’s not too far out either. I will be having my first camel riding lesson soon. Will you join? Here is the farm's website here for you to explore: https://adcrc.me/
Any questions, let me know. 🙋🏻♀️
P.S. Last photo.. it also happened to be an almost full moon last night, though the dark doesn't catch it well. 🤩🌕
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