Svan on the move
- 14 Jun 06, 01:08 PM
A GARAGE FORECOURT, DREIEICH-OFFENTHAL - Magic mechanic Schacher has installed the new immobiliser part in Svan and we are on the move again.
We are heading south, stopping for the night near Hockenheim, where Ricco will do his best Jeremy Clarkson impression, driving Svan around the Formula One racetrack.
Schacher and Dennis, who ordered the part we needed in double quick time, were immensely helpful.
That said, it took me a while to see the funny side when Schacher started joking that the spare key we needed to reprogramme the new unit had not arrived.
Schacher laughed and laughed.
We left our campsite this morning but not before the owner, Gerhard Schonweitz, showed us his entire collection of cuttings from the site's 36-year history.
Pride of place went to a piece in the local paper showing all the England fans that had stayed for the game against Paraguay standing in front of a customised limo-style Hummer.
It was painted in the colours of the George Cross and Gerhard could not have been more pleased that a "Hammer" had been to his site.
The only slightly distressing aspect of talking to Gerhard was when he wandered around for a chat wearing his tiny swimming shorts.
Distracting indeed.
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Gerhard..pictures from 36 years...swimming costume...
was this "just a thong at highlights"?
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I'm really getting into this excellent blog - thanks for doing it - it really cheers me up, being a remote ex-pat in the wildest reaches of arctic Sweden to read of your escapades (the ups and the downs) in Germany!
It reminds me of when I drove through Frankfurt once and quickly learnt that mechanics everywhere do that "das ist nicht gut!" look - plus "zwei neue gummi!" isn't a phrase you want to hear after 10 hours' driving...
I look forward though to reading how Svan handles the Hockenheim track - perhaps you should do a race between Svan and one of you on inlines?? My money's on a draw...
Personally I'm looking forward to driving my red Saab coupé to England in 2 weeks' time for the Final - complete with St George's flag on the roof, à la "My car is Swedish but I am not so please don't trash it!!!"
Best of luck - I'll keep reading - but might skip future references to German campsite owners in swimming trunks....*shudder*.....
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You guys are Krazy!
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Don't forget to crank up the stereo to the tune of "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac when you are flying around the track! I can hear Murray Walker now.
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You guys should see if any of your BBC contacts can get in touch with that crazy German woman who drove Richard Hammond around the Nurburgring for Top Gear, she would give Svan a very energetic workout and I doubt Svan would ever experience being handled that expertly by a woman again!!
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