The cave houses in Bhalil stand next to ordinary "over-ground" houses, and there is no other difference between them than practical ones. Digging into the cave allows good conditions for keeping a home cool in summer and keeping the worst cold out in winter. The facades of the cave houses can therefore be easy to pass by, they do about the same decor work and put up the same walls in front as for the "over-ground" houses. As we came here, it was with the assistance of Muhammad Ashraibi, the town guide. He will find you when you arrive in town, there aren't too many tourists coming here. The house on both these pictures belong to his family. You will be invited in, say hello to family members who have no stressful relation to time, be served mint tea, see through Muhammad's collection of messages from earlier visitors and some news clips from foreign countries. When you leave, he will expect a token of your gratitude — no wonder, guiding tourists is his job. And when it actually involves taking care of his house, a fascinating part of mankind's history, the money feels well spent.
Muhammad Ashraibi welcoming you into the living room.
