(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Adam Zacharias finds himself behind the wheel of a large automobile KT illustration by Rajendran
Last month I all but gave up my twice daily hobby of death racing – also known as commuting to work via Dubai taxis. Finally after almost six years of living in the city I decided to stop procrastinating and buy a car.
I say decided the chance actually fell in my lap – a friend was moving back to England and offered me his 2004 blue Jeep Cherokee (nicknamed ‘The Old Man’) for a knockdown price.
It’s not quite at the same level as my housemate’s brand new Porsche Carrera but at least it’s got character (read: stains and cigarette burns).
Having my own vehicle has opened up worlds I hadn’t foreseen. As stated by my colleague Mohamad Kadry in last week’s ‘Musings’ page the convenience is awesome.
I feel as though the purchase has made me feel more connected to the UAE both mentally and physically – and not just because I’m now a proud owner of a 4x4 the nation’s preferred method of transport.
As a resident of Satwa I’m a 25-minute journey away from most of my friends in the Marina/JLT area. Previously I would often pass on activities taking place on that side of town – put off by the cost and hassle of catching a cab.
Quick trips to the mall would also be left for weeks on end while excursions outside of the city would rely squarely on someone else’s shoulders (or to be more precise wheels).
As such I had a tendency to cocoon myself in my apartment only venturing out when my destination was in walking distance (or under Dhs20 in taxi fare).
But now that I have my souped-up motor the UAE is my oyster – shaking me out of my hermit ways to try new things around the city and beyond.
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