Lawrence of Arabia

Sir: I read with interest the article about Lawrence of Arabia (Winter 2017) because last year my wife and I were fortunate enough to visit Aqaba and Wadi Rum. We left Aqaba and were driven out to Wadi Rum in an air-conditioned coach. On the way we were shown the train from the Lawrence of Arabia film, which appears in good order, perhaps thanks to the dry climate. On reaching a tourist centre we swapped our coach for a convoy of four-wheeled trucks.

The tourist guide was keen to show us the Seven Pillars rock formation, but never mentioned why they were so called.

Lawrence considered the desert to be “clean”, and one can understand that feeling when standing on a rock formation gazing across the landscape of Wadi Rum. Of course the tourists have to have their chance of camel riding to a bedouin tent-stop, where tea is served. We didn’t fancy the camel ride and clung onto the rear of our four-wheeled truck, with hindsight perhaps the camel ride would have been safer!

My wife and I are in our 70s, and we found the whole experience of visiting Wadi Rum was something not to be missed. The dry heat was not a problem and the scenery was spectacular, which is why the location has appeared in Lawrence of Arabia and many other films.

I cannot remember the last time I rode on the back of a small truck, bouncing over rough ground, while travelling at speed and ignoring Health and Safety! The years fell away. The ride was stimulating and exciting, and it kept my pacemaker working overtime! Wadi Rum should be on everyone’s “bucket list”. — GEOFF WOODLAND, BONNET BAY, SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA.