That was the Wildest Birthday Party I have ever been to! We were surrounded by Real Lions, Tigers, Alligators, Snakes and Monkeys!
That’s me – one-year-old baby Sheeva on the Far Left of your picture, and there’s the Birthday Girl, Baby Maryam, in the Centre with the leopard prints.
My friendship with Baby Girl Maryam Stretches back to September 2022 when we met during the Saturday Sensory Class in Dubai. We got along like a house on fire. My mom saw in Maryam, the little girl she secretly desired. And I could say the same about Maryam’s mom.
Fast Forward to 26th February 2022. My mom looked longer than usual to get ready, and she looked prettier as well. We set off in our Blue box with wheels, and mom held the steering since she claimed to be the better choice. Dad did an Ok job handling me in the back and reminding mom about the speed limits. Although mom constantly reminded him to feed me my milk bottle and pieces of banana. That’s typical of my mom and dad – they keep reminding each other to do or not do things.
After about 40 minutes of the car ride and great patience shown by me, we arrived at this quiet, peaceful location. I was told it’s Fame Park, owned by a famous Mr Belhasa. Everyone in Dubai talks about Mr Belhasa when they need a driving license. We did not have to queue up for tickets like usual for this Private venue; instead, a golf cart chauffeured us inside. I was pleasantly surprised to know that I had made friends with people who love wild animals and the kind who have my Entries taken care of.
As expected, we entered a cold room filled with Birthday decorations. But when I saw the view from its full-sized glass windows. I could not believe my eyes. There were various kinds of Lions and Tigers. At first, I felt silly thinking it was a big dog, and I saw the types of animals I had only seen in playbooks.
Soon, we were sent on an animal tour by Maryam’s dad. This was the coolest part of this party. I saw and touched so many animals, birds, and reptiles! There were lessons to be learnt from these magnificent creatures! They cooperate, co-exist, and look out for each other. They’re playful, and yet they like their own space.
I wrote this piece with a bit of help from my dad. We took many pictures, but I need to remember the details of when I grew up and wanted to log this experience down.
Thank you, Maryam, for the lovely experience! I’ll be back for more Birthday parties, where I’m allowed to eat Pizza and cake and play with the tigers.
With Love
Sheeva Mali & Apurva Mali
With Sheetal Chauhan
Mar 09, 2023