Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:53:36 -0800
Reply-To: Zolly <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Zolly <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
Subject: Re: lonely in Portugal
In-Reply-To: <C80ED1E7DB184082B3C60D78FF3BF770@Guenther>
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Ark,
I was in Portugal about seven years ago and I was the only one with a Westy
there until I have seen a place with three of them parking. It was on the
Southern coast, on the main road, near a nice little fishing village that
Rick Steves was mentioning in his book, where the population is local on one
side of the hill and German retirees on the other side. Grocery and bakery
comes in a bus three times a week. Nice hidden little village. I spent
there three days. I did not stay for three days anywhere in Europe. On the
main road next to the parking (Vanagons) Transporters was a makeshift
workshop with a German guy in it. He might not be there anymore of course.
I can give you the name of the fishing Village if I find it somewhere.
Portugal was nice, a little poor and simple, but very friendly and
understanding to the lesser wallets. Went to Fatima also. I did not have a
lot of time so I just flew by many places.
I'm sure, you are enjoying yourself there.
Zoltan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Arkady Mirvis" <arkadymirvis@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 5:30 AM
Subject: lonely in Portugal
Hello, listees,
For 2.5 years, since I moved from USA to Portugal, I've seen only 2
Westy's: one was from Spain and the other from Germany. My, 1987 Westy
(brought from USA, odometer reading 52 k miles), once I stop attracts many
on-lookers. In Portugal the year the vehicle was made is on licence plates
and people usually wander seeing the condition of my Westy. What really
unusual to them is that it has gasoline motor. In this country over 90% of
vehicles are diesels, even some with single cylinder 600 cc motors.
O, I wish my Westy was diesel. Gasoline 95 octane goes here for US$8.40 per
gallon, and diesel for US$6.30.
My Westy goes up to 23 MPG. With diesel, I suppose, my driving would have
been much cheaper.
Owning Westy in this small country, filled with great natural beauty, with
best climate in Europe, having lots of historic sites (Portugal has over 110
castles!) offers many opportunities. Savings on accommodation covers many
times the fuel expences. Campsites are great and one speaking English will
find there many Europeans to start the conversation with.
But..................here is the bad part. No Westy club. I simply didn't
find yet one.
In my years in USA I participated in many shows, aquired many friends.
Dannis Haynes is one of them. As a heater expert I served hundreds of VW
vans and Westy's owners. Some are still contacting me for advice.
I read posted info with great interest and find the listees very helpful.
With wishes of great travels and joy,
Ark Mirvis
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