Car rental

When I arrived in Geneva, a long term car rental was prearranged for me with the good people of Europcar (kind of like the blind date thing). They wanted to give me something in the automatic diesel, the sound of which started to make my stomach go sick. I asked if they could give me a stick shift gas variety and they were nice enough to give me a brand new Renault (don't pronounce the T!) Laguna. I thought wow.......the chance to try a French car that has not been in the US market for over a generation....will I be in for a big surprise.

The car is well equipped. Mirrors fold-in automatically, tire pressure is displayed on the dash, speed limit governor, full controls on the tilt wheel, 6 speed, no key ignition. Performance is really peppy for a diesel. I've taken it at 160 km/h without a problem but it does bounce a little.

Well after a month, the fun is gone. Turning is like a ford F350 so you had better plan your turns way in advance. On Monday in our parking lot, I went around a double parked car and slightly clipped a curb. When I got out of the car, I heard the front tire start to go flat with a puncture in the side of the brand new Michelin tire. Turns out the car doesn't have a spare so I had to arrange for a tow though my good friends at Europcar. Two days later and 5 calls to Europcar, I finnaly was able to pick-up the car. A new rim, towing, replacing the pressure sensor, and Michelin tire only set me back 570 euros ($825). They did give me a wash though!

This weekend we are going to Milano for a few days R&R at the Westin. I'm seriously thinking of taking the train as without a spare, I don't want to be stuck in Italy for 2+ days to replace a blown-out tire.

I really do look good in this car. So much so that every time I drive, automatic cameras take a picture of me. I wonder what newspaper will run my picture!

Looking forward to meeting Monique in Milano. Ciao!