Lost. Lost for three days wandering in the Aoukar; an infinite, almost impenetrable, expanse of high sand hills that stretch for hundreds of kilometers. Here, life ends. There is no trace of civilization, no wells to drink from, nothing but sand, dry brush and a few naked trees.

While crossing the most risky and challenging parts of this desert region, I felt like nature had also given up and lost inspiration to create.

We survived the adventure. From out of nowhere, we see appearing from behind the dunes, the fascinating ancient town of Tichit. Almost like a mirage, the distinct stone town rises on a small promontory, with a flourishing palm grove wrapped at its base. The city is surrounded by a long sandstone cliff formation to the north and large white dunes to the south.

Here, with the help of man, nature had returned to shine.

Not far from this enchanting place, a gap opened between the cliff formation, like a hole in a bucket. And the sand that was contained by the rock, made its way to the opening, and poured through, in the most peaceful way, like sand drops.