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Narrative: A Change of Heart
Student essay, by Salim Rashid, March 2005
It is really difficult to change an individual's idea or perception of any topic. There has to be a force or a reason which makes people change their idea about something. I used to think that living in the desert was difficult and that it wouldn't suit me as a fisherman. In this writing, I am going to write what made me change this idea.
I had spent a week in Abu Dhabi and I was driving back home. Having stopped at the petrol station to fill the tank, I went to pay the man in the office. While I was filling the tank, I saw a group of camels running into the desert, so I decided to follow it. The sun was setting, the camels were running, and the breeze was blowing. The scenery was stunning and it was amazing to see the camels running in an organized line.
I was enjoying the scenery when all of a sudden, my car got stuck in the sand. At this moment I realized I had made a mistake. I gathered my thoughts and I started to collect some wood to put under the wheel to get the car out. Just as I started the engine, a man came and offered to help me. He took out a towing rope and connected it to my car. No sooner had he started to pull my car than the rope broke. After that, the man said to me "I have been camping here for three days and I was wondering if you would like to spend the night with me." I said it's a wonderful idea. Then he took me to his camp, and by the time we arrived I was exhausted. I thought it was the longest, most exhausting day of my life. I took a shower. Later I thought it would be a good idea to call my family and tell them that I wouldn't come. I started to search for my phone, but I couldn't find it. It was only then I discovered I had left it in my car. Fortunately, I managed to call my family using his phone.
After that, I relaxed and we decided to cook our food. We enjoyed preparing our food and he told me a lot about his style of living. It was the most marvellous night I ever had in the desert. It was a brilliant night and a great experience, which made me change my mind about the desert. I highly recommend that you spend a night in the desert!
Salim Rashid, March 2005
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