My Desert Dervish: 1.5 Years of Pajero-induced Shenanigans in the Saudi Sandbox  

Ah, the Mitsubishi Pajero. Not exactly the name that sets hearts aflutter or sends supermodels weak at the knees. But let me tell you, this boxy beast of a car became my loyal companion, my desert steed, my partner in Middle Eastern crime… well, mostly just the speeding kind.

This story isn’t for those who baby their cars. This is for those who believe a car’s purpose is to be equal parts torture chamber and adventure mobile.

Chapter 1: From Showroom to Sandstorm – How I Met My Beige Box of Joy

So there I am, fresh off the plane in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Land of scorching sun, sand that gets everywhere, and camels that judge you for not being a camel. Time came to get some kind of transportation option, a better one after I spent first two weeks in a Suzuki Liana that is as exciting as watching paint dry. I got a list of cars to pick from and my eyes went wide open when I noticed in the list a white Mitsubishi Pajero amongst a sea of soulless sedans.

“That one,” I declared, pointing with the enthusiasm of a five-year-old at Disneyland. The sales guy blinked, probably wondering if I knew what I was getting myself into. Little did he know, this unassuming white box was about to embark on a journey that would make even a Land Rover blush.

Chapter 2: Desert Dominator – Turning Up the Thermostat to “Molten Fury”

Saudi Arabia isn’t exactly known for its moderate climate. We’re talking temperatures that could boil a chicken in under an hour. Yet, here I was, hurtling down highways at speeds that would make a speeding ticket look like a participation trophy, with the air conditioning valiantly trying to keep up. The Mitsubishi Pajero, bless its oblivious engine, just kept on chugging. Sure, the dashboard shimmered like a mirage, and the alcantara beige seats could sear your backside, but hey, at least I got there fast! Kind of.

Chapter 3: Indiana Jones and the The White Menace – Unearthing History, One Sand Dune at a Time

This wasn’t just about highway heroics. This Pajero and I were on a mission to explore the vast, empty canvas of the Saudi desert. We became archaeologists of the amateur variety, stumbling upon ancient petroglyphs etched into rocks by forgotten civilizations. We found fossilized shells millions of years old, a testament to the ever-changing landscape. And yes, the Pajero handled all this off-roading with the grace of a ballerina on roller skates, but hey, we got the pictures, right? I even started making maps of these hidden gems, because let’s face it, who wants to get lost in a desert with only a white box and a questionable sense of direction?

Chapter 4: Sand Dune Rodeo – Because Who Needs a Spine Anyway?

Let’s talk sand dunes. These things come in all shapes and sizes, from gentle slopes to sheer drops that would make your fillings reconsider their life choices. And of course, I had to conquer them all. The Pajero, bless its abused suspension, became my chariot in this self-inflicted sand dune rodeo. We crested dunes so high, I swear I could see the curvature of the earth. We plunged down slopes so steep, I’m pretty sure I defied the laws of physics (or at least common sense). The car emerged battered, but unbowed, and me? Well, let’s just say my chiropractor would have had a field day.

Chapter 5: Riyadh to Dubai and Back Again – The 1025km Journey of Questionable Sanity

Ah, the famed Riyadh to Dubai route. A 1025km odyssey of scorching sun, monotonous scenery, and the occasional stray camel. And a large part of it? A single, never-ending straight road stretching for 350km. No bends, no turns, just endless beige and the faint hope of a decent gas station. Did I do this trip in the Pajero? Multiple times. Why? Because apparently, I enjoy self-inflicted boredom as much as I enjoy questionable driving decisions.

The Pajero, bless its ever-reliable engine, never faltered. It became my personal time machine, transporting me through endless hours of the one and only cassette (yes, in the years of CD players, the car came with an optional casstte player) that I could buy from the shop that time and it was wit Kelly Clarkson, on repeat. Sure, the scenery never changed, so all has been in sync!

Epilogue: The End of an Era (and Possibly My Hearing)

After 77,000km of abuse, sweat, and questionable life choices, it was time to say goodbye to my trusty white beast. The Pajero had become more than just a car; it was a testament to my own inner monologue of questionable decisions.

About the car:

Mitsubishi Pajero V6 GLS
Fuel: benzin
Power: 200 HP
Year: 2006