My last mechanic, recommended by my friend Josep, didn’t
like me. I don’t know why. He was a sourpuss who, when I would come in, would
see me, and then without so much as a hello, ignore me for a good long while before asking what I wanted.
I put up with him because when it came down to business, he seemed to know what
he was doing. But about a year ago, the last time I came, he told me he wouldn’t
be able to even take a look at the car for at least two months. I thought I had
misheard, but no, “Dos mesos. minim” I took that to mean that he didn’t want to
work on my car at all. At Citroen I found Edwin and Javier and was happy I had
made the change.
I’ve been without a car now for ten days and it looked like
the latest problem was going to be the car’s last – the mechanic couldn’t
figure out what was causing it and I won’t drive a car that is incurable. This
is Citroen. If they can’t figure out what is wrong with one of their cars, it
is unlikely that anyone else can. I don’t use a car much, but there are times
when I need to get out of town. I’ve missed two country walks I would have
taken during these holidays and it looked like I wasn’t going to be able to go
to the beach on New Year’s day, as I had planned. If the mechanic couldn’t
figure out what the cause was, I would have to get rid of the car and find
another one.
For the last few days I was pondering what kind of used car
I was going to look for. But I didn’t want to look for a car. I wanted my car.
I like my car. It’s a throwback to the Citroen 2CV – originally the French
Everyman’s car, now a classic that I couldn’t afford to buy or maintain. It's the right size, shape,
and color. It suits me. So I was a bit worried when I came into
reception this morning. But there was no need. After having the car all these
days, the mechanic found the problem and fixed it. I have my car back. Bluebell,
Sweet Pea and I will be going to the beach on New Year’s after all.
Happy New Year!
Ah, that's lovely Dvora. I was as fond of my Buttons as you are about Bluebell, but eventually, I was persuaded to scrap. I'm still regretting it although my new (old) Fiat Panda is beginning to win my heart. By the way, I feel I know you so much better now I'm two-thirds of the way through your book. You are as reticent as I've been about your relationship issues, but reading between the lines, it must have been very difficult. Hats off to you that you stayed. I'm really enjoying it so much. It was a pity you had to leave Barcelona, although I completely understand why you sold the flat!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Val. I'm so glad you like the book!
DeletePS, thank heavens for Edwin and Xavier. Finding good, trustworthy garages is hard anywhere!
ReplyDeleteI have a personal tradition of going to the beach on New Year's day. I did that today and the car cut out on the way. I can turn it back on right away, but it's disconcerting and not particularly safe. Apparently they didn't find the problem after all!
DeleteOh no! We had an old Opel that used to do that. The problem proved (after months of investigation) the pump that draws the petrol from the tank. In English, I think it’s called a primer pump (we use the Dutch term here). If they haven’t already checked that, it might be worth investigating?
DeleteI think this model is famous for this kind of problem. They seem to think it's something electrical. I'll know more next week when I take it back. And I will mention the primer pump. Thanks.
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