A German, solo lady traveller, currently on an ‘around the world’ tour in an impressive army truck, stopped by Muscat last weekend. There are no strings attached to her trip and her message is simple: If you wish to do something, do it now!

Perched at the helm of a custom-built army truck (MAN KAT 1 8×8), 64 year old Scheumann Petra, a former tax advisor from a small town in Germany, may not be the type of person you’d like to see behind the wheel of such an imposing, rugged vehicle. But, with nerves of steel and a mindset that’s tougher than wrought iron, she is quite comfortable with this giant that has been accompanying her on her ‘around the world’ trip.

Petra, who stopped by Muscat last weekend and heads to the UAE from here, has been in and out of the sultanate since January when she first arrived amid her solo tour of the world. She admits being bowled over by Oman’s varied terrain as well as the hospitable population of the sultanate which she had heard a lot about from others over the years.

Having done quite a few daring tasks in different parts of the world in the past, including a parachute jump, participating in the fastest trek in Abu Dhabi, passing trough an ice channel, etc, she says driving the truck through varied terrain seemed most challenging as well as fulfilling to her. And, the Oman leg of her tour as a solo traveller has been one of the most fascinating till date.

With no aim, mission or milestone set before herself, Petra says she has taken up this trip to see different countries for two key reasons – first, to tackle her childhood affliction of migraine which always subsided when in countries with temperate climates, and secondly, to satisfy her innate urge to enjoy nature, especially the countryside, jungles, deserts, as in the Arab world.

“I’m not interested in visiting a lot of countries as some people do – I think, that’s a crazy idea, especially if you have less time like me. I’d rather spend more days in each country, exploring more and getting to know more about each country,” the solo traveller said.

Asked if anyone has sponsored or financially backed her trip, Petra said she was doing it on her own, with resources saved up for her retired life. She, however, asserted that, unlike popular belief, travel by a caravan doesn’t involve much expenditure, except for fuel and food, besides visa fees and maintenance of the vehicle, as one doesn’t have to spend for an apartment or hotel stay anywhere.

Over the past weekend, however, she did receive guidance from Harish George in Oman, who runs his own YouTube channel featuring unusual initiatives by enterprising individuals. George has shot a video of Petra’s visit to Oman and was assisted in documenting the same by photographer Anas Abdul Majeed.

The journey

Petra started her trip on June 10, 2020, at the onset of the coronavirus scare. Though it was difficult, getting by seemed easier as fewer tourists were seen travelling, she disclosed adding that she has so far traversed through 16 countries, beginning at Poland. So far, she has passed through Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece. Georgia, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and now Oman as a solo traveller.

“I like the GCC states and the Arabic people. Some years ago, I had heard a lot about the great landscapes here, so that’s why I’m here,” she said, adding that she had first arrived in Oman sometime in mid January and had been to Ibri, Nizwa and Muscat, after which she had to exit to get an extension of her visa. She later accompanied a group of friends and visited the Empty Quarter as well as a few more destinations in the interior as well as in Muscat. From here, she will be heading out again to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Turkey, and then go to Australia to visit her daughter who stays there.

The vehicle

‘My car’ was built for the German Army in 1977 and was used by them till 2012 after which it was sold to a private company from which Petra procured it. “In Germany, it is very easy and normal to get such vehicles from the army,” she said, adding that she got it serviced and adapted it to suit her requirement, with an 8m long container that serves as an apartment with a living room, bathroom, kitchen, air-conditioning, 750ltr water, electricity and a generator, spare parts and a small bike for moving around in destinations.

Since the vehicle is huge, parking is not always easy and Petra has to check on Google Maps for a suitable location to park, she said, adding that she mostly halts in one spot only for one night. As for handling technical snags, she said she was able to handle small problems concerning tyres, etc, but visits service stations for bigger issues and procures spare parts from Germany or other countries, if needed.

About her fitness, she admitted that being 64 years old, she does have a few issues but manages to conduct herself without much difficulty. She has already been on the road for three years and does stop to visit doctors en route, when needed, as she’s covered by medical insurance.

Petra’s trip doesn’t quite carry any clear social message for people. However, by following her heart and fulfilling her dream, she has been conveying to people that it is never too late to do whatever they want, and that one should never postpone for tomorrow what can be done today. Also, to pursue one’s freedom without fear.

“I’ve seen a lot of Oman, since I have been here close to three months and have been to different destinations, initially at Musandam. In contrast to the Emirates, Oman has been quite different. Also, on my way from Saudi Arabia to Oman, via Rub Al Khali, the landscape was totally flat. You could see on Wednesday, who would be visiting you on Saturday,” she quipped, adding, “I like Oman very much – there are mountains, deserts, flat terrains, lot of trees, different landscapes, and very friendly people. Oman has it all!”

For video, visit: https://youtube.com/@omantrekcookHarishGeorge