Camel from Kyzylkum

Camels are called ships of the desert. They walk calmly, swaying regularly from side to side. This is because amble camels always rearrange the hind and front legs of one side of the body at the same time, so their bodies sway like ships on waves. Camels are unique animals that are able to survive in harsh desert conditions thanks to their physiology. They are not afraid of heat, lack of moisture, and scarce food resources. Camels have three sets of eyelids and two rows of eyelashes to keep sand out of their eyes. The desert lacks natural enemies for camels, making it an ideal habitat for these animals.

In my home, I have a lot of camels on display—they are made from wood, from glass, and from stone. They are symbols and dear memories of my “first” life, of my twenty long years in the Kyzylkum Desert of the Republic of Uzbekistan. I am a camel from Kyzylkum, too. Like a camel, I have adapted and found ways to help myself survive in the desert. As a camel stores his energy in its hump as part of its legendary ability to travel hundreds of miles without food and water, I stored the energy of my spirit to help me stay strong as I crossed continents alone, with two suitcases and $140 in my pocket in my search for a better life.