Farafra

Farafra, known as Ta-iht or the Land of the Cow in pharaonic times, is a single village. The most isolated of the New Valley Oases it is renowned for its strong traditions and piety. According to folklore the villagers once lost track of time and had to send a rider to Dakhla so they could hold the Friday prayers on the right day. The oldest part of the fillage, on a hillside. is next to peaceful walled palm groves; a short fide away there are hot sulphur springs at Bir setta and swimming at El-Mufid Lake. As in other oases many of Farafra's houses are painted blue (to ward off the Evill Eye) but here some are also decorated with landscapes, birds and animals, the handiwork of local artist, Badr. A combination house, museum and studio exhibiting his paintings and ceramics is situated in a garden full of sculptures made from objects found in the surrounding desert. Another local, known as Mr Socks, sells beautiful hand-knitted camel-hair sweaters, socks and scarves. Day trips by jeep and camel treks frp, here to the White Desert, Bahariya, Dakhla and Siwa can be arrnged through Saad's Restaurant.