Date: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:18:38 -0800
Reply-To: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Letter to VW - Vans are loved by everyone
In-Reply-To: <2d5213e00802282053j3cd06bd4qb076f582d5d84892@mail.gmail.com>
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I recall seeing my first Westy ('67 IIRC) over 20 years ago while
working at a gas station. Made a lasting impression. I KNEW I wanted
one some day. Especially one I could work on. (got my wish there!)
Even though I was a lot younger, and hesitant to approach, I at least
made a comment of appreciation. As surreal as it may have seemed, I
can totally see someone commenting on a Westy/Vanagon they see. Though
a border guard lurking in the dark, maybe not the most comfortable
introduction! --- ;^)
My advice for the border patrol dude. Just do it! I don't know why I
held off for so long....
And Bernie; IIRC your ride looks real nice. Certainly nicer than mine!
(remember the brown '81 Westy at Van Meet 07?)
Obviously the general asthetic condition of an owners Vanagon makes a
big diff in terms of attention drawn. Regardless, they deserve the
positive attention they get.
In terms of border guards friends thinking he's "nuts", well nuts to
them. --- :^) We all know the people who own them, aren't nuts.
Different yes, but aren't we all?
Cheers,
Neil.
On Thu, Feb 28, 2008 at 8:53 PM, Bernie <berniej@gmail.com> wrote:
> I was driving through southern Arizona one night and I see flashing lights
> in the distance
> so get ready for a stop of some kind. It turned out to be the Border Patrol.
> A nice young man asked to have a look in my Westy and as he did so he
> confessed
> that this was his "dream machine". He said I want one of these so bad my
> teeth itch.
> He went on to say that his friends think he is "nuts".
> Well you have to be a little different to have one of these at the top of
> your wish list but I like different.
> It just seemed quite bizarre here we were in middle of desert in the dark
> and
> he was lusting after my 22 year old Westy.
> I mean this guy was truly excited looking in the vehicle. I mean he "loved"
> the thing.
> As I drove off into the night the purr of the engine even appeared to be
> sweeter than
> normal.
> These things no when they are loved.
> I don't know how they but they know!
> VW seemed to like being different a longtime ago sadly I don't really see
> that
> now. I guess when you get huge you don't want to take chances anymore.
> Too bad.
>
> Bernie
> Vancouver
>
--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
