Sahara Desert
American businessmen looking to make investments in other nations often visit the American Embassy there. Ambassadors know more about the local politics than anyone. In the privacy and security of the Embassy’s compound, the ambassador can speak frankly about the risks facing investors. The ambassador also may be joined by other economic and security personnel, who may be even more willing to share. These young diplomats spend months isolated in remote capitals. They are eager for new company—or at least a couple of drinks at the hotel bar.
One young diplomat from Nouakchott, Mauritania, had a particularly interesting assignment. She was an expert on the nation’s interior security—near the borderlands of Mauritania, Mali, and Algeria. She had recruited several nomads, trying to build a network to alert her about militant activities. In doing so, she had spent several weeks traversing the Sahara on their camel caravans.
The Diplomat’s Story
“The strangest thing I ever did out there was eat cobra bird,” she said. “Certain birds of prey in the Sahara hunt poisonous snakes, particularly cobras. These birds are routinely envenomed by their prey, over time building up an immunity. One of my nomads was fond of cobra birds, describing an extraordinary high that comes from eating their flesh. This presumably was due to the presence of low levels of snake venom in the bird.
“I asked the nomad whether it was dangerous to eat the cobra bird. He assured me that it was perfectly safe in small quantities. Each person in the caravan only eats a bite or two, sharing the bird among many. No one had ever died from ingesting the bird.
“On the last night I was in the desert, one of the nomad foragers came back with just such a cobra bird. The mangled carcass was spit-roasted on the fire, and small pieces of its flesh were passed around.
“While I was reluctant to partake, curiosity got the better of me. This was my one shot to experience something truly unique and extraordinary. So, I took my greasy piece and slowly ate it. The meat was unremarkable in its taste.
“I sat there by the fire, looking up at the stars, and waiting for something to happen. The first strange sensation came from my fingertips. They felt tingly. The prickles gradually became more intense until it felt like there was something alive under my skin. This crawling sensation then spread across my hands and marched up my arms. The same feelings repeated themselves in my toes, gradually moving up my legs. It felt like an army of ants was marching through my veins. It was a creepy feeling, but not at all painful.
“The next thing I experienced was a growing euphoria. It was a superb feeling of contentedness, complete satisfaction. All thoughts and worries evaporated. Time seemed to slow down, and I was aware of my heart beating. I could feel the pulse, pulse, pulse, of blood in my arms and legs.
“I lay back on a pillow and stared up at the sparkling heavens. I saw a shooting star cross the sky, but it was in slow motion and the fireworks of its tail seemed to last an eternity. Awash in pleasure, I fell into a deep sleep.
“The next morning, I awoke feeling refreshed. Never before had I experienced such a peaceful, restorative sleep.”