Walking through the historic Al-Fahidi district, a sign caught my attention causing me to pause mid-stride. "What is this?", I thought to myself. "Should I? Could I?".

I loitered for a bit like a stupid tourist, a stupid (North) Americano tourist, which was exactly the sign's target audience. It tempted. It teased. By this point in my journey to the U.A.E., I was homesick for family and friends and windchill and, yes, greasy fast food. But could I stomach this? I had, after all, just made friends with these creatures the night previous while on a desert safari.

I looked to the Heavens for guidance, as I regularly do on matters relating to the heart, mind and stomach.

"Dad, should I do this?"

"You can't NOT do this, Lou*."

With that assurance, I strode into the restaurant and ordered knowing that my father's omnipresent spirit was sitting right next to me and we were both about to feast.

"One camel burger, please."

Life is savage and strange.

The burger was delicious.

*Since childhood, my father's nickname for me was Lou. I can't even recall an occasion where he called me by my actual name. Predictably, this has caused much confusion in social settings. I believe it originates from my love of Disney's Huey, Dewey and Louie cartoons but this has never been confirmed and the actual origin shall remain an eternal mystery.

The camel burger with fries and a mint-lemon beverage at Local House Restaurant in Dubai (©Deborah Clague, 2016).

In addition to a camel burger, I also tried camel milk and camel milk chocolate while in Dubai. (©Deborah Clague, 2016).

The historic Al-Fahidi district, Dubai (©Deborah Clague, 2016).