Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
I HAD arranged to pick up the Cadillac SRX 2010 on Tuesday morning from National Motors and I was running late and in a rush.
I had an important lunchtime appointment at the Sheraton Hotel and time was ticking.
What happens? I meet a salesman passionate about this latest model. Don't get me wrong, I love a passionate worker, but ... I'm in a rush.
He was very enthused by what this American dream machine had to offer and on any other day I would have welcomed the journey through spacious interiors, amazing sound systems and a boot to die for.
"Watch this!" he exclaimed as he opened the tail gate. Open it up to whatever height you want, press the button and next time you open it, no stretching or pulling, it will open to exactly the same position.
Very clever, I thought, glancing at my watch, thinking how parents with baby buggies or shoppers with trolley loads of bags are going to love this.
Press the button again, he smiled, and the boot will automatically close like magic.
"Love it!" I told him, but I've got to rush.
I popped the car into reverse and up jumped the camera system providing a panoramic rear view with guide lines indicating my projected path, all displayed on a high-resolution colour screen.
Nice touch, I thought.
The sun was shining so I switched open the double-size 'ultra-view' sunroof, the largest in the segment which allows the driver to experience the great outdoors in complete Cadillac comfort.
Neat, I thought, but enough of the finery, I had places to be, people to see.
Now rushing anywhere in Bahrain at lunch time is pretty much impossible on the kingdom's roads, especially if you want to get from Sitra into Manama.
I tried pushing the 3-litre SIDI V6 engine to the limit ... I was in a rush. I may not have been as gentlemanly on the road as I should have been, and for that I apologise.
However, I was not expecting a man in the large off-roader to take exception to my driving and tailgate me for several kilometers along the highway.
I slipped lanes in a vain attempt to lose him. But he was sticking tight with a determined grimace on his face as I peeked at his reflection in my rearview mirror.
I shot up into the Moda Mall car park hoping to put him off to no avail and immediately raced into a 'no entry' lane and slipped into an empty parking place. He pulled up and parked behind me.
Road rage in Bahrain? How best to handle this situation? Fight ... or ask for forgiveness?
Sorry, I didn't mean to cut you up seemed a little lame at the time.
I jumped out to face the music and the Bahraini rushed over to me and said ... "I love the car ... what are you driving? I've been following you for ages - I've not seen anything like it on the road - where did you get it from. I want one!"
I showed him around the motor. Have a look at this sun roof, I babbled ... and wait till you see the boot - it's to die for!
I phoned the salesman at National Motors and told him I'd sold the car and that a very nice man was on his way to the showroom.
I then phoned the business contact I was supposed to meet at the hotel's reception area to apologise for being more than an hour late. No problem, his secretary said, your lunch appointment isn't until next week.
The Cadillac SRX 2010 is priced between BD16,900-19,500 depending on specification. Contact National Motors on 17457212 for details.
