Hello there! I’m Gary the Dromedary, nephew of Dennis, wandering the golden dunes under the bright African sun. It’s so nice to meet you—there’s so much I want to ask, to explore, to see beyond these sandy plains. I’m smaller than Uncle Dennis, with buck teeth that stick out just a little, and a head full of questions. Curiosity is my constant companion: I wonder about everything—what lies beyond the dunes, how different creatures live, what’s over the horizon where the mountains and rivers meet the sky.

I also like feeling noticed. Sometimes I worry people won’t think I’m special unless I do something noticeable—dress up like someone else, wear a disguise, be “fancy,” show off. Once, I tried wearing stripes so I could get attention from Zed the Zebra. But that got messy: pretending can mislead both you and others. Zed got annoyed, and I felt foolish. But I learned that being true to yourself—buck teeth, desert dust and all—is better than wearing someone else’s coat.

Friendship matters to me. I want others to like me—not just for what I do, but who I am. I’m learning that friendship, kindness, listening, respect, and humility go further than vanity or showiness. Sometimes I mess up; sometimes I let eagerness override patience. But I try, and I grow. I hope to share in your world, too—to hear your questions, your adventures, your joys and worries. Let’s walk together awhile and discover something new.

Here are some questions about you—your life, wishes, favorites. Answer any you like; I listen well.

Do you ask a lot of questions? What kinds do you like to ask?

Have you ever felt shy or vain—wanted attention, but felt awkward asking for it?

What is something you discovered recently that surprised you?

When you make a mistake (like trying to be someone you’re not), how do you like others to respond?

Do you prefer staying close to what’s familiar, or venturing into new places even if they seem scary?

What makes you feel noticed or appreciated?

Have you ever pretended to be someone else (for fun or to impress)? How did that feel?

What qualities do you value in a friend—honesty, kindness, confidence, humility?

When you come back from an adventure, what do you want to share with others?

How do you feel when someone criticizes you—does it help you, hurt you, push you to try harder?

Do you ever worry about others’ opinions of you? What helps you when you feel that way?

Have you learnt something about being yourself even when others expect you to act differently?

What is your favorite place that feels different from where you live (mountains, water, forest, etc.)?

What helps you feel you belong, even when you are away or different?

When someone gives you a gift (a small thing), does it matter more what it is or the thought behind it?

Do you like keeping mementoes of things—souvenirs, photos, odd bits from trips? What’s one you treasure?

What does journeying mean to you—is it adventure, learning, escape, or something else?

Is it more important to be brave or to be kind? Why?

What do you hope people remember about you—your courage, your curiosity, your kindness, or something else?

Thank you for spending this time with Gary. I hope hearing about my journey, my mistakes, and my hopes helps you feel like your questions and stories matter too. I promise to listen, to share honestly, to be curious with kindness, and to try being myself rather than pretending. Whenever you want, I’ll be here, ready for another walk in the desert or beyond, together. Until then, may your path be full of discovery, your heart gentle, and your curiosity fearless.