Kirill Fokin-Sazonov: blogger, creator and co-host of ON THE BINDERS, a RUTUBE ambassador
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The interview turns to Kirill’s memories of the very first car he ever owned.
For many men, the first car holds a special place, especially for someone who grew up in a provincial town. Kirill recalls a time when he had just turned eighteen and was still finishing school. He saved up the money from his part-time efforts and bought his first car, a Priora, lovingly named Shakira. The bond was instant—a mix of youth, energy, and a bit of rebellion wrapped in a sleek, satin-black shell with a tan interior.
Shakira was more than just a vehicle; she was a character in Kirill’s story. She had personality, but she could be moody at times. She would stall and not start, pushing Kirill to learn the inner workings of a car from the engine to the electronics. He learned to listen to her voice and to respond with patience, tuning the little machine until it purred with a surprising vitality. The affection in the bond was real, and Kirill cherished every feature that gave her a unique life on the road.
Truckloads of memories followed the maker and the machine. He remembers pulling up to the school grounds, feeling like royalty as he rolled in past the gates. During break, friends gathered around to play music, stroll to the local shop for carbonated drinks and snacks, and sometimes even give a ride home to teachers after classes ended. Those moments stitched together the fabric of a youthful chapter in Kirill’s life, where the car served as a gateway to small adventures and social rituals with peers.
Yet, the romance with Shakira was brief. About six months after the purchase, her engine began to falter, and the relationship quietly came to an end. The break was not just about a car failure; it marked a transition—a turning point that led Kirill to meet a new set of experiences and stories.
After Shakira, another vehicle named Jalilla entered the scene, opening a fresh page in the journey. That chapter remains a separate tale, a reminder that every car leaves a mark, whether through reliability, resilience, or the simple joys of the moment once shared on the road.
In the end, the question lingers: What name does Kirill’s current car carry, and what memories does it hold from those early days on the road?
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What do you call your car?