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At the top of a slight incline we pass a water pumping station, ah yes I remember hearing that El Obied's water comes from Barah. From this point the terrain changes; now there are acacia trees and dry grass.Barah is a smallish town with more than its fair share of leafy, shady trees. The bus stops at the edge of the market. There are lots of Land Rovers around, I guess for onward transport to far flung villages. We choose a "seat al shai" and order a coffee. Sitting in the dappled light, feeling a gentle breeze, it is very, very pleasant. Salah is anxious that we check-in with Security. I'm less keen; they only ever seem to complicate things. It's a bit of a trek but we see some camels on the way so I am placated. Actually I get the impression we've woken them up (Security, not the camels). They don't seem too interested, but they take my permission papers and give me their phone number just in case anyone gives me grief. (Saleh told me later that Security in El Obied had already rung ahead to say I am coming.)
We walk back via fields and small holdings growing: onions, potatoes, tomatoes, spring onions and "jijia" (a kind of rocket salad). There are bore-holes and water-towers and there's irrigation everywhere. This is most certainly an oasis town. It's green and shady. The air seems fresher too - I guess it's moisturised?
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