Things Keep Getting Better!
I finally ordered my kitchen after work last night. A few language problems and I was running late for a meeting of Bosch expatriates (but my guides were late too) and apparently no problems. All the main roads were clear and I was on the way home, driving my new car and thoroughly enjoying the experience. As I was coming off the Autobahn exit into Stuttgart, a long, downhill spiral, my car shut off and would not re-start. "Super," I think, and coast around to the off-ramp by McDonald's.
The car came from the big BMW dealer and a year of warranty, road side assistance, etc so I call the number (conveniently located under the rear hatch) and get some people who speak English. So during this call, whille I'm sitting on the exit ramp with the emergency flashers on, talking on the phone, some girl walks up, knocks on my window and asks for directions??? "I speak little German," I say in German, so she asks the foreigner again in English for local directions. "I don't know," in German accompanied by one of my more charming expressions, I'm sure. So, while I'm back to the phone describing the problem, the police pull up; say "get off the phone and talk to us," which I do, and they end up helping me push the car into the parking lot. They made sure I could handle it from there and went on their way. 2 points for efficiency. I call BMW again and get my location and problem cleared up and have an hour to kill. I start by thoroughly dis-enjoying a McKäs (McCheese, who knew they came with swiss) and walking through Media Markt (eg, Circuit City). The BMW rescue/service vehicle shows up, plugs into my car, and the mechanic opens by pointing to his screen and saying "Fehler, Fehler, Fehler, so viele Fehler." I don't think anyone needs a translation. Of course, the car starts again of its own accord. Packed, I might add, with Bosch automotive electronics.
The mechanic speaks like six words of English and my German still blows so we're having some serious difficulties with communication. After several misunderstandings, I managed to get out "I just bought this car last week," in German, to which he smiles and says "then no Problem," in English, "come with me and we'll get a rental car." in German. Some more confusion ensues, which ends with "oh, you want me to bring the car too."
Car's at the dealer for repair, free of charge, and I'm driving a new BMW until it's settled, also free of charge. I'm supposing that's part of what I over-spent on the car for.
In the midst of all this, I did manage to call Magi, and let her know that I wouldn't be making it this evening. I have to reschedule the kitchen delivery date as well.
Lastly, the mechanic told me something I thought I would never hear; "I think your German is much better than my English."
Comments
john - maybe its the new computer, but the font is very small and light colored. can you increase the size and darkness?
sorry, but some of us are getting old!
Posted by: dave | 26.01.07 11:13
wow. awesome adventures!
Posted by: Frank | 26.01.07 11:46