The GR5

The GR5 are the group I am currently sharing accommodation with. They are who I feel very responsible to and have this strong sense of loyalty and belonging. Family Four were part of this group when we were the GR7 but they have moved out so the connection is a little different. GR5 currently share meals, cars, stories, work, adventures and laughs. We know so much about each other. This has happened in a very short period of time. When you get stuck in transit or share food you have lots fo time to share.I’ve tried to promote the idea of nicknames for the group, which are starting to stick. We have Koro who is our elder statesman and has this wonderful depth of knowledge. He sums things up with a "Jolly Good". He doesn’t talk as much as some of us but he is worth listening to when he does. There’s Gazelle who dances across roads and doubles as camp mother. She remembers the little things like fresh coffee, birthday pressies and other important things that help keep the group a unit. There’s Whiz who is so so clever and is also really considerate. She thinks about others, communicates well and makes sure that we are being inclusive. As well she is able to answer any question ever asked in a pub quiz. There’s AQM (Al Qatar Man). He is doing the bulk of the driving for the team. There is carnage going on around us on the roads and he is in complete control. His sense of where his vehicle is on the road in relation to others who dance to a different tune is like Wayne Gretsky on an ice hockey rink. Never have I felt so safe while driving before. A great bloke. And then me. I’m either Umpoi – after 3 buffet meals, Average – too hard to explain and I wouldn’t understand because I’m not smart enough, Lucky or Polly. The mix in this group is an incredibly eclectic one but it works. It works incredibly well. Feel really fortunate