As you can see all started well - here I am just about to set off from Mojacar in lovely sunshine ( the eagle eyed amongst you will see a couple of modifications on Betsy - mine and Lynnes handiwork - and we love it.)
But back to my story- was heading to Cuenca for the night about 5 hours away but I made a detour to go and visit Carravaca de la Cruz- only about an hour and a half from Mojacar- the old town is amazing- its the 4th holiest place in the Roman Catholic Church after Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago as it is supposed to have a piece of the original Cross; just to really get my interest it also has a huge Knights Templar castle atop the hill. But only time for a quick trot round then back on the road- will save it for another day.
Anyhow- about 25k's outside Cuenca Betsy suddenly started to lose power - we were on an open country road with hardly any traffic and it was getting late so I talked to her very nicely and we managed to chug our way into town, found the hotel and breathed a huge sigh of relief ( and opened the wine!). Next morning we very slowly chugged our way to a Ford garage I had seen on the outskirts of town.
And thats where the fun started- it is quite a smart garage, shares space with BMW who did seem to look down their noses a bit but the Ford guys were Estupendo! Within 10 minutes of getting there we were out on a test drive and it became clear from Mario's face that all was not well. Now, we need to remember that whilst my Spanish gets me by it doesnt cover mechanical technologies ( lets face it, my English doesn't either) and none of the garage guys spoke English - I worked out that it was something to do with the fuel pump but they kept saying bomberos - fireman. Well, I know I like a man in uniform but it just didnt seem to to be an appropriate time... then I had a brainwave and phoned a fellow traveller I had met recently- he gave me his Spanish girlfriends number and away we went - transpires that the fuel pump is broken, they cant find a replacement in Spain but could have it repaired in Madrid with a part that is used by the fire service. Grand, then lets get on with that then- nope, will take 7 to 10days. Gulp.
Son the it felt like time to talk to the insurance company as I was due on a ferry from Northern Spain and am 700k's away from there - that one call to the agents in France has set off the most amazing service - well, you might say, thats what you've paid for, but when I took it out little did I know that it meant they would arrange a full repatriation service which includes transport of Betsy to the ferry port in Spain and then from Poole to East Grinstead, - (shes being left at the lovely Warren's garage who hopefully will fix her for me), 3 nights hotel and incidental expenses, a hire car so that I can drive to the ferry port and not have to go on the transporter and taxis back and forth. So for the last 24 hrs I have just sat back and let someone else do all the planning - been fab and it feels like a real adventure.
But what really warms the cockles of my heart is the kindness of the garage people - the supervisor was so upset that they couldn't repair Betsy, then when he realised that I was going to have to stay in Cuenca until they could arrange the transport offered me a bed in his house, said his wife would look after me; then they all came out and shook my hand or kissed me on the cheek and wished me luck. Makes you wonder what response a non English speaker would get in the same circumstances in the UK- sadly dont think it would be as caring.
I'm off out for supper now- hope you enjoyed my little story - does mean that plans might need to change again next week until I know what my transport situation is but will be in touch. But I am in good hands so don't anyone worry, its not a tragedy or anything- i do admit I would have found it hard to be cheery and positive if I had just started my trip but I haven't so I am.
Bye for now from a cold and wet Cuenca
xx
No comments:
Post a Comment