When we holidayed in Australia a few years back and I saw a kangaroo for the first time, I thought they were one of the strangest creatures. The way they moved their bodies was fascinating to watch. And the whole pouch thing…
I was at the local nursery the other day buying new houseplants and noticed the camel market was only about 200m further along the street. I decided to take a few minutes and have a look around.
I would have to say camels are a close second to kangaroos in the odd-looking category.
"are you looking at me?"
stickin' out those big teeth!
this guy is kinda noble looking
I think he's looking 'down his nose' as me!
such square-shaped faces
baby camel looks like he's smiling and the momma's having a laugh!
check out the saggy skin on those hind legs
these two are both trying to tell me off I think!
big bottom lips...would make for a good pout!
For the most part they had their backs to me, but they kept turning around and looking in my direction. I’m not sure what it was, but it seemed as though they were trying to talk to me. They were constantly changing the expressions on their faces….and all those teeth!! Whatever it was, it made for a good laugh!
What do you think? Strange looking or what? And I wonder what we look like to them?
The other question I have is who buys these camels now and for what purpose? As it is no longer such a bedouin society here, why so many camels for sale? There are hundreds, maybe thousands at the market. Once in a while I see one being transported around the city. I know there is camel racing that takes place here but presume they would use specially bred camels for that. It’s not like I’ve ever seen camel on the menu. So, what’s up with this? Or, is that why there are so many for sale as they’re no longer in demand?
barelynoticeable 
Hi there, nice blog
Camels are very important in the Islamic culture, it is a blessed animal because it has many benefits for people. Its milk is not like any other milk and even its urine has been used in medical remedies. Camels are very expensive as well, their prices range from few thousands to maybe a million.
These are some websites to read about benefits of camel milk and urine:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Benefits-of-Camel-Milk
http://www.fahad.com/2006/03/benefits-of-camel-urine.html
Also, Camels were mentioned in the Quran. If you are interested about the religious aspect have a look at this website:
http://mac.abc.se/~onesr/f/Camel%20Milk.html
Nowadays, people would use them for racing or simply to use their milk and wool. Moreover, most Qataris have a camp in the desert where they bread different kinds of animals and the camel is the most important. My grandmother has 2 and my uncle has 4. It is just like people who like to collect horses.
I didn’t think that most Qataris would still have and use a camp in the desert, nor keep camels.
Thanks for the information – most appreciated!