Unfortunate events....the test of one's resolve...

I came back from Tehran last Thursday's afternoon....

We were planning to go the the Books Grands Sales in the Airport EXPO.... after Maghrib, took the family to the basement parking where I parked the Carnival.... Open the driver-side door but the other doors were still locked....o'oh... I smelled something was wrong.





My Carnival... the first breakdown (Jumeirah Rd, 20/03/09)



Got into the driver's seat, stuck the key into the ignition and turned it....nothing happened.... WHAT???!!! Not again....My long experience of driving a car told me that it must be the battery.....and it was....the battery's dead....deader than dead actually.

Called around.....the neighbors were all unavailable....called a nearby friend, he's at work (night shift apparently).

Called another friend.... he had another engagement.....

Called the night shift friend....'"worst case, I'll come over tomorrow morning after work..." Thank you Bro.

Went out and buy a "jumper cable" to crank up the battery....but no suitable car...a Pinoy neighbor offered his small Daihatsu...didn't work....

Pak Guard also tried to help but to no avail....

Ended up dining with the family at the CTI restaurant on the ground floor.

-----
6am.... night shift friend called...."I'm coming over..." Tried to crank up the battery using his 4WD...didn't work as well....

Took out the battery and went to Satwa....luckily there's a workshop open (on Friday morning)... Re-charged the battery...didn't work....

Conclusion....the battery was a lost cause....

Had to attend an EGM after Jumaat.....took a taxi with wife to the meeting...

The day ended.... "Tomorrow....first thing, call the workshop in Rashidiya"....


-----
Call workshop... they will send a "recovery truck"....

While waiting....went to an old friend's car rental service....rented a 2007 Corolla... Had a lunch invitation today (pot luck) and elder daughter had a birthday invitation.

Recovery guy arrived after almost 2 hours.....took the Carnival.... followed the truck in the Corolla.

After signing all the necessaries...went back to pick up family....went to the Ranches for lunch invitation....(we're sorry...actually planned to make some Soto Ayam, but didn't have the time)...

4pm, left Ranches, send daughter to Umm Suqeim.... and went straight to Airport EXPO...

Bought some (actually a lot of) books....

Picked up daughter at Umm Suqeim.....and returned the rental car....paid Aed123.....

Check work email....aha!!...good news from back home (from Sister).....Parents are coming at the end of November....along with the nieces.... at least, there's still a good news somewhere...hehehe

-----
Morning...called workshop....car's ready...only re-charged the battery and that's it....

Ask him....to do a regular service....and will pick up car on Thursday morning....


*****
Went to Iran today.....

Checked in at the hotel....the usual Hotel....

Had a haircut at the Hotel..... and paid IRR200,000 (almost USD20) for a lousy haircut....

Demmmm!!!! My good buddy (Al-Marhum Helmi Kathy) cut hair better than this old guy.....


* I can go fishing in Penyabung Island with that kind of money.....



Morale of the story(ies) -

Turn off all lights before leaving the car.
It's important to have friends around (thank you to everyone).
Cut hair in Dubai only....Aed15 in considered a bargain.