LINKS:

Karen's profile page
Go to the Paintball event

Not really sure what to expect today as I wait in Costa coffee to meet up with Karen Clarke. From the chat we have had on the phone I’m thinking some crazed adrenalin junkie could burst through the doors at any second. The shop has its usual blend of busy business types grabbing a latte to go, and fabulous looking young mums, de-stressing after the school run - all too fresh faced to have kids of ‘that’ age. I think she’s late. Then I realize she’s here, and she’s gorgeous - not at all what I had in my mind, all flowing brunette hair and feminine sophistication and I’m trying to hide my disappointment. “I thought you’d be all tough and scary” I start, and realize how stupid this sounds, then I fumble through a typical Dubai double kiss. “I am - I’m in disguise.” I’m not really sure if she’s joking, after all this is the lady who’s all excited about shooting at her neighbors. “Paintball sounds cool” she purrs, with a slightly menacing look - maybe I’m just paranoid.

“… Anything that gets a bit of adrenalin pumping really, but I can see myself being really good at it - not scared are you?” “No” I lie. She terrifies me.

“I love anything with a hint of danger, what I get a real buzz from is flying. I am desperate to finish my training for my helicopter license. I have been flying for a couple of years and have done a few hours solo but just need to find the time to complete things. It’s exhilarating - the whole rush you get, much tougher than ‘fixed wings’. I get the feeling that she knows that I fumbled my way to a private pilot’s license many years ago and could never handle the helicopters - no need to tell her.

She’s been in Dubai for almost a year now, like most people I guess it takes a bit of getting used to, and especially in these troubled times. “I’m in financial services” she explains “so it’s a nervous time for most people. It’s when good advice is even more important”

“Why the Palm? Where else is there? The UK is depressing and if you’re going to be here you have to ‘live the dream’, and this place is fab! The facilities are about the best in the City, with the beach and everything”.

Before here she had had spent most of her time in the UK, supplemented liberally with regular trips around the World to satisfy her itchy feet. Other claims to fame? Being ‘just good friends’ with a World famous superstar musician - at least that’s how the tabloids put it. “That was a while ago. I’m not telling you his name and it was in a different life …”

What else makes her tick? “I really love cars, the whole speed thing. Nothing too flash, but a nice BMW and a bit of open road, some good music - my other great passion, and I can get a bit overexcited! Don’t even ask about speeding tickets-it was bad enough in the UK - here you have no chance! I need to really confine things to the Autodrome - lets go up there some time?” I want to get back on to safer ground, like getting shot at, all the while she twists her long blonde hair between her fingers, and from a distance it might look like she’s musing over the latest Harvey Nic’s Autumn /Winter collection rather than getting excited about shooting squash-ball-size-exploding pellets at me, and anyone else daft enough to get in her way. “I hear it stings a little if you get hit” I add bravely. “I don’t intend getting hit!” she says as if she means it.

“It will be good fun” I’m assured somewhat unconvincingly. “Maybe you could be on my team?” A genius move from me. “Only if you pay for the coffee” - a small price to pay!

Paintball event

Come and join us for paintball at the home of the Dubai Paintball Club on Saturday January 31st. For full details click here.

Comments