Reply to "Spa trip"

So, back to day 1. Thursday. I left home around 10 am, planning to reach the Dutch border around 5 pm, and then relax at a hotel. But after 3 hours of constant rain, and the weather forecast for Friday a lot better, I went off the highway early, looking for a hotel. I had to look at a few, because I’m quite picky, especially about parking. That’s one of the advantages on Charlie’s trips, he’s always thinking about our parking situation. The fourth hotel was fine, so I got a room, a schnitzel and a beer. I checked the forums. And went to sleep.

Day 2. On the road, just got on the highway. I was cruising at 130km/h, no more until the engine oil heated up. I was overtaking a row of 4 trucks when an annoying Touareg filled my mirror. Normally on German highways the traffic morale is very good, the fast going cars don’t go too near (unlike in Denmark), so it was the first time on this trip it happened. I gently showed him my brake lights. No change. OK. I continued with my pace, turned into the right lane after overtaking the trucks, and as he passed I gestured to him what I thought of his driving. That’s something I very rarely do, especially since years have matured me, but that day it seemed like a good idea. But then he showed me something even better. Just like at poker when you think you have the best hand, and then you don’t. He took his blue flasher unit from the dash and waved it in the right window so I could see he was an undercover traffic cop. Hhmmm, not good. And then he pointed to the exit advertised 2 km later, making it clear I should exit. Double-hhmmm.

Damage control. So what were my options. A) was to do what he told me, I’m sure I would hear harsh words. But could he impound the car? Keep me there for a day? I hadn’t done (much) illegal, but I must have pissed him off. I was ready to apologize for my gesture, it was a bit childish, but I was going to tell him my view of his driving for sure, regardless of the consequences. Wonder why? See the movie Dogville… Option B) was when he left the highway, I would just drive on. Play stupid. And then floor it. And then I came to think about option C). Why not just outrun him? Haven’t we all had the immature dream of outrunning the police? I had the weapon to do it. I had a no-speed-limit highway with good driving conditions and not much traffic in front of me. So if ever there was a possibility to do this, it was now. Should I? Why not?!

Well, then the bonus pater took over. This was not worth getting myself deeper into trouble over. I chose option A), following him off the highway. When the Ausfahrt came, we entered the right lane, but just when we were both committed to turning off, he made an illegal move and reentered the highway. I could have done the same, but chose the legal “get away from this jerk” move and exited the highway. Why did he do that? Just to annoy me I guess. Genuine 100% certifiable prick with a badge!

My pulse went back down and I entered Holland. I was going to Galleria Brummen where they have 150+ classic cars for sale. A nice place with a great building, salesmen in suits, that come up to you to help if you want and leave you alone if you want. Last time I was here was on the way to pick up my current Pantera. Now I was driving it!

BTW, forgive me didn't bring my good camera