It's the off-season anyway, so going there for fun seems like a good idea.
"I'll bring two friends with me; they're both very interested in collecting."
Alexei continued.
Frankly speaking, the most enthusiastic group about the Santezi tanks is not actually their own people; the oligarchs of the Russian Federation are more interested in them.
Because of the large production volume of Soviet tanks, many people have collected all of them, such as the T-34, T-54/55, T-62, T-64, and T-72. However, most of the military tanks captured during World War II are now lying in museums, unable to be started again.
That's pointless; if you can't open it, what's the difference between it and a model?
European tank museums have restored many old tanks, making them mobile again, but those that can't fire are just moving models.
When Alexei mentioned that there was a museum in Afika where you could drive and shoot tanks, I knew I had to fly over and see it.
However, some people acted even faster than them.
At Dubai International Airport, a Boeing 747 belonging to the royal family took off, carrying Crown Prince Hamandan towards Afica.
"So that kid Hamandan has already gone to Guo, right?"
Not far from Dubai, the old king, a huge military enthusiast, said angrily.
"Yes, Your Majesty, Crown Prince Hamandan's private plane has just taken off and should arrive in Kongluga tomorrow morning."
The attendant informed the old king of this news.
"He must have a lot of free time. Xie He should give him more responsibilities."
The old king mentioned the chief's brother-in-law because he had an unavoidable visit in the next few days that he couldn't go even if he wanted to.
That's the downside of modern constitutional monarchies: while you have the power of a king, you also have to do your work, and only after you've finished your work can you do whatever you want.
As members of the royal family, as long as they don't have as many as Prince Satie next door, they all possess official/diplomatic passports, which allow them visa-free travel to most countries in the world.
Fruit was included, and Hamandan got there first, but this guy preferred supercars, so he went to Afica because he was interested in tracked vehicles.
If the tanks in that museum are only for viewing and not for driving, he probably wouldn't bother going.
Unlike him, a true military enthusiast, so devoted.
The old king was not boasting; his extreme passion for tanks meant he was not only a former tank commander but was now preparing to establish his own royal tank museum.
In addition to various tanks left over from numerous wars in the Middle East, he has also exchanged a large number of collections with museums in France and Greece, and has now collected more than 100 tanks and tracked vehicles.
There are number 4 and number 5, but no number 6, let alone the number 6B Tiger King.
This is why he wanted to fly there immediately after seeing the advertisement for the Afica War Museum, but unfortunately, his official duties held him back, allowing Hamandan to get there first.
People get like this when they get old; they become like old children, always arguing about who goes first.
"It's really strange, though. They've gathered so many good things without making a sound, and even opened a museum in Afica. It would be so much better if they came to our place!"
Many people shared the old king's surprise, as the museum seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
Ordinary people have no access to information, but for the upper class, nothing is a secret.
He obtained the first-hand information before going to sleep.
"So it turns out that a PMC company is behind them, and they are good at using heavy equipment. No wonder their combat capabilities are so strong!"
As a former tank commander, the old king had a profound understanding of the power of the King of the Land.
As for why Colonel Gaddafi was so arrogant, he believed it was because the guy was too cocky and didn't take anti-tank missiles seriously at all.
The boss of this company, Jihuo Defense, is noticeably more cautious. He added three layers of explosive reactive armor to the T-64 tank and even installed an active protection system on it, rendering anti-tank missiles practically useless.
Only someone with this kind of personality could support such a museum. Less than a third of the collections in his Royal Museum are operational, far inferior to those of his competitors.
No, the Tiger King is their prized possession; they definitely wouldn't sell it.
But he had to find a way to get that Tiger tank that could be driven and fired.
With this thought in mind, the old king drifted off to sleep, and in his dream, he drove his Tiger and wreaked havoc on all sides.
Xia Yu was unaware that someone had their eye on his Tiger uniform; he had just received a batch of uniforms that had been airlifted in.
With the idea that if you're going to do something, do it well, Xia Yu also has high standards for details.
Military tanks must have a full set of Wehrmacht armored uniforms, but SS armored troops are exempt.
Similarly, there are uniforms from various series such as Soviet, American, French, and Italian styles. With these uniforms in various sizes, he can provide photography services for VIP tourists.
Xia Yu visited the Forbidden City during her freshman year of college, where they offered rental services for dragon robes and ancient costumes.
He can afford a few hundred yuan, but the selection is limited, with only costumes from the Qing Dynasty available.
His museum is different; it has the same uniforms as any car he owns, and customers can even buy them outright.
Besides uniforms, Xia Yu also collected original armored soldier ID cards and special vehicle driver's licenses from various countries and sent them back to China for replication.
Pay money to fire a shot and you'll get a soldier's ID card with your photo and embossed seal.
Purchase five or more cannons at once and receive an additional driver's license; VIP customers can even customize various medals and commemorative badges.
Wearing these "parts" makes you look cool enough when taking photos.
Xia Yu seems to be born to do business; his skills in persuading customers to spend money are improving day by day.
In addition to armored uniforms, there are also infantry uniforms available for ordinary tourists who can't afford the tank rides to take photos.
Profit is only one aspect; Xia Yu's real goal is for people to have fun and enjoy themselves at his place.
The poor and the rich were both stuck with visa issues, while the super-rich with official/diplomatic passports arrived first.
"About ten years ago, Rashi and I came to Afica to hunt many times, but I gave up this hobby later."
As Haman Dan stepped off the gangway, she spoke to her cousin Maktoum beside her.
"Giving up is fine too; I also dislike the feeling of having my life taken away."
This is what Olympic gold medalist skeet shooter Maktoum said.
As the son of the previous chief, he loved shooting more than the throne and had a passion for collecting all kinds of firearms.
This is also why Haman invited his cousin, instead of his short uncle, to come to Afica with him.
"I watched their video on the plane, and they actually have such good condition STG-44s. Mine wasn't very new when I got it, and after firing a few thousand rounds, the accuracy has gotten worse. I hope they can give me one!"
Maktoum also had his own agenda for coming to Afica, but his ambitions weren't that great.
This is due to information asymmetry. Syria is clearly in the Middle East, yet Dubai, enjoying peace and prosperity, is completely unaware of what's happening there.
If you can't see them, you naturally won't know where to buy classic old guns cheaply, so you can only buy them at high prices in Afica.
But with a cloth over his head, he's still the richest man in the world. Even without inheriting the throne, Maktoum is worth billions of dollars.
He could afford the premium, not to mention that his cousin was treating him to the trip.
“Maktoum, you know me, I’m only so-so when it comes to guns. I’m mainly here to test the performance of those old tracked vehicles.”
I got into a white G-Wagon that had just been unloaded from the 747 transport bay and followed the bodyguard's car out of the airport.
Unlike King Joan, Haman Dan only likes to collect various sports cars, and his interest in tanks is more reflected in the fact that they are all-terrain vehicles.
He also has a considerable collection of tracked vehicles, but they are all modern, easy-to-operate versions.
As for tanks, he couldn't even handle a modern version of the Leclerc, let alone the old tanks from World War II.
They came to the country simply as tourists; they weren't even notified by the museum officials.
Even without notification, entry still leaves a trace.
The airport immediately called Old Anka, who then called Xia Yu.
"What? You mean the Crown Prince and Prince of Dubai just got off the plane?"
Xia Yu wondered if he had misheard. He knew a rich guy was coming, but he really didn't expect him to be this rich.
"Yes, they just finished their paperwork and left the airport. They should be there in about ten minutes."
Old Anka was also surprised. Even when the Middle Eastern royals came to Afica, they mostly went to the north. Who knew that the opening of Xia Yu's museum would lead them directly to the central region.
"I understand. I'll contact you later. I'll go and make some preparations now."
Xia Yu hung up the phone after saying only a few words and took out his walkie-talkie to call everyone.
"Attention! A big client is coming! We're preparing for a trial opening!"
"Yes, boss!"
Even if we're not officially open for business, we still have to have a trial run when big clients come to us. After all, we can't afford to turn down money.
If a client suddenly visits, it means they don't want to make a big fuss, so they'd better play along.
And so, Ha Mandan and her group arrived at the museum, only to find it locked up tight.
After the bodyguards got out of the car and negotiated, the two vehicles finally drove into the park.
"I told you to come sooner. It's a good thing that most countries don't offer visa-free entry. If there were too many people, I might not have wanted to come so much."
Ha Mandan closed the car door and spoke to her cousin.
They can enjoy the private event by arriving early, while most tourists' visas still haven't been issued!
"You're right, they've arrived."
Mark Toum pointed to the half-track motorcycle that was puffing towards him and said.
"Gentlemen, welcome to the Afica War Museum. You two are the first visitors we have received."
Xia Yu pretended not to know the two people, but in fact, they were dressed casually, and it was only from the details that one could tell they were of Arab descent.
"I am Sherlock, the curator. Which of our attractions would you two like to experience?"
“The project is easy to arrange, but Mr. Curator, you should provide accommodation here, right? If you want to have a proper time, one or two days definitely won’t be enough.”
Ha Mandan felt that the other person had recognized her, but maintaining this tacit understanding was the best thing to do.
"Of course, all the guest rooms are empty. You two can stay in the most prestigious Villa No. 1."
Villa No. 1 is decorated even more luxuriously than the one in Xia Yu Bo Ge Village. The earthen house with 5 bedrooms and 3 living rooms is extremely modern, and even the Internet is a dedicated satellite line.
The price won't be cheap either, it's $3,800 a night!
Therefore, if this villa alone is booked for 300 days a year, it would generate a gross income of at least $1 million.
If they weren't rich, it would be cheaper to live outside, but they still think 3800 is too cheap!
Even without the added charm of the indigenous culture, the accommodations weren't as comfortable as the bedroom on his Boeing 747. But when you're traveling, you can't stay on a plane every day!
After the bodyguards put down their luggage and the accompanying servants remade the sheets and blankets, the two went outside again.
"So your services mainly involve World War II firearms shooting, artillery firing, and tank firing while moving."
After listening to Xia Yu's brief introduction, Ha Mandan summarized.
That's all, just shoot.
"That's right. The Afica War Museum's main focus is on shooting experiences. These war vehicles can be parked in the venue for tourists to visit, but only by making them move and roar can tourists understand the weight of history."
This is how Xia Yu replied.
"Mr. Curator, since we are the first group of tourists, we should naturally receive some preferential treatment!"
Haman Dan isn't interested in history; he's only interested in the performance of these old cars, so he wants to try something unconventional.
"Please go ahead."
“My cousin is interested in firearms shooting, while I want to see what limits these 70 or 80-year-old antiques can reach.”
"Hamandan said thoughtfully."
“I know that pushing the limits will damage the car. Just quote a price based on the depreciation. You don’t need too many. Pick a few representative ones, and you can fire a few shots along the way.”
Hearing this, Xia Yu understood.
Luckily it was a trial operation, and he was here keeping an eye on things. If they had replaced the pillars, they really wouldn't have been able to handle it.
With the boss in charge, one person can do the work of two, and we're guaranteed a great start.
"I need time to prepare. The tank experience officially begins tomorrow. This afternoon, I would also like to invite the two of you to experience our shooting range."
Xia Yu already had an idea in mind.
It's just about pushing the limits; he has many unconventional ways of playing!
While they prepared, the Ha Mandan brothers went to the shooting range to practice.
The two old men weren't interested in using a bolt gun, but it would be really interesting to use a machine gun to spray water.
Maxim, MG-42, and M-2 Lao Gan Ma are all machine guns commonly seen in movies and TV dramas, but Xia Yu and his team also have some that are not so common.
For example, the Japanese Type 11 light machine gun (the "Nine-Type" one, which foreigners rarely see), the Italian Breda M1930 light machine gun, and the former Soviet Union's Maxim-Tokarev light machine gun.
As an Olympic shooting athlete, Maxim fires 100,000 bullets every year during training, and this afternoon he and his cousin fired nearly 10,000 bullets in just one day.
"That was an era of great diversity. In my memory, machine guns were all fed by magazines and belts. I never imagined there were those that used hoppers."
Ha Mandan stretched her shoulders as she spoke to her cousin.
He was referring to the Type 96 light machine gun, as well as another Japanese machine gun that reminded him of the Hotchkiss he used to fire at a shooting range in Germany.
"It was these machine guns that established the later status of ammunition belts and magazines."
Mark Tum said, holding his brand new STG-44.
The curator readily transferred the gun without even negotiating the price; he simply put it on the tab.
It's really not easy to sort out these royal relationships, and it's already dragged on for so long!
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