Nascar Guys Thought Our Car Was Ugly Too!

Life has its bumps and bruises no matter where you live, unfortunately.

On our drive back from France, 45 minutes left to go, ( a long, long German STAU (traffic jam) had delayed us for over an hour) a quick pit stop was necessary.

Lots were full and parking tight. Quickly we hopped out with our .5 euro in hand, headed for the water closet (restroom). As I returned, approaching our Saab, a Hungarian truck driver called out, "Lady your auto and pointed!"

A Toyota/Panasonic Formula One crew guy had put his truck in "R" and backed up into us. Three Nascar trucks had stopped with nine guys. They came over and inspected damage. Big, macho mechanics circling and rude gawking Germans thinking this was a photo opportunity was not fun. "Scotty, beam us home!"

One small scratch was all the truck suffered. The car was still OK to drive, but needs two new headlights, front grill, hood is dented, and air conditioner not usable. A sympathetic mechanic taped a broken headlight for us. (Tom made me take these photos, I wasn't sure if I was going to admit to knowing him.)

German law determines fault on accidents and then the insurer of that party pays out. Two policemen arrived about an hour or so later. Since our car was parked, Nascar guy won the prize! As officers departed Nascar guys gave them hats, none for us!

Dealing with insurance is such a pain in the butt! Did you ever consider that a truck cab and trailer might be owned and insured by different companies? At this point we are not sure what we will do with our smashed auto. We might fix it, sell it for parts (a guy wants the engine) and then rent until we fly home SEPTEMBER 17th!

As we've already told some of you, we would be thrilled to stay at your B & B for a night or two, until we know where we are going to live happily everafter. (Sorry about my shameless plug for lodging) I would clean, do errands, chat, play checkers with you, care for children, or/and make meals while Tom is on safari looking for a position. And I guess since it will be fall, I could rake leaves too!