Words By: Pavel Annenkov
The word “safari” sounds familiar to everyone who lives here in the UAE. We all know what it is about. The most exciting part, of course, is the sand driving – the experience most of the people seek and anticipate when they book the tour! The “camp” part is basically the reward to yourself for being so brave! The main part of the “enjoy or suffer” factor is the confidence of the driver you are with. It usually takes first few minutes into the drive to realise whether you are going to enjoy or look forward to getting to the campsite in one piece. That is why so many men who drive their own 4x4s are not keen on trying that. I was myself a part of that crowd until recently when I was taken to the very private safari by my very own wife as a tour operator and driver all in one. Guess what guys, I really enjoyed it! I missed that moment! I somehow missed that! When has that happened? We met six years ago in the sands of Al Ain. Both crazy enough not to wait for the organised trips and having enough guts to just go there and explore it on our own. We clicked and we did many trips together. Our 1988 Patrol (Sandy) was a space ship taking us anywhere we wanted to. We shared driving and Marci (being so passionate about it) was picking up the skill very quick. I was myself still a rookie but yet had things to show her. But like every driver being on the passenger seat I still kept watching the mirrors, tachometer, listening to the engine, trying to find the pedals under the glove box. Sounds familiar guys? Bet it does!
Times have changed. Not too much but they did. We have been busy bringing up our kids. The family trips to the desert became not so frequent. My job makes it almost impossible throughout a big time of the year, but Marci was still taking kids to the dunes. My part was to make sure she’s got the safe tool for it. I would only know where they were by the end of the day once they are back – happy, filled with adventure spirit!
It happened very spontaneously. Like most of the great things that happen. She said: “Let’s go out to the desert after work? Usually it would be me that will get behind the wheel, but this time Marci was quick. By the time I was ready, she was there keeping the passenger seat for me. The desert was just few days after the rain. Sheer pleasure to drive and being honest I was a bit jealous in the beginning. But something happened (I think it was Marci’s confidence) and I took that role of a regular Safari tourist, sat there, relaxed and began to enjoy the ride. I was not watching into the mirrors, looking for the pedals or the gear stick! I watched around, enjoyed the view and felt the drive and peace at the same time. Yes, I missed that. Taking kids to the desert on the regular basis forged a very confident driver out of her. Confident enough to even reflect it on others and make them relaxed. My hat off, Marci! When is the next trip?
