First trans-continental GTG?
 

Yes, I am in Costa Rica for a few more days. I plan to meet juanesoto tomorrow and if he can borrow it, we're going cruising in his sister's MB. (His is still in the shop getting a facelift.)

Actually, I've never figured out why we distinguish between North and South America (everybody else in the world says there are only 6 continents), much less Central America too.

So, I guess this technically isn't the first trans-continental GTG in reality, but it did make for a cool thread title, didn't it?

I'm all for that, it sounds great!

I met a few Mercedes owners (from another MB discussion list) when on vacation in Norway and Denmark. Not only does it put a face to a name, but gives you a chance to see a little bit of their country in a way that no tourist ever could.

It's wonderful, and I even had the pleasure to return that favor when one of them I had visited in Norway came to San Francisco on company business, with colleagues, and show off the town to them.

Agreed that SudAmerica and CentroAmerica are also "America". Some people from the USA are pretty ignorant about what exists below their border.

Well, I'm sitting here in Heredia on the eve of my return home. I have a lot of mixed emotions. I excited with the expectation of seeing my wife and daughters tomorrow. I'm anxious about returning to work in a few days without adequate time for recovery from spending 2 weeks with 13 hormone driven teens. (5 lost and found at the foot of a live volcano yesterday). But equal to those, I'm sad about leaving behind people that, after only 2 weeks, I can sincerely call friends. And the idea that I may not ever see them again just intensifies the premature longing. Anyway... back to car talk.

Juan (juanesoto) and I did get to meet face to face - a couple of times. Once, we went driving around San Jose and Heredia in his sister's 300D. He also took me to the shop where his 300D is awaiting some cosmetic surgery.

He's a great guy and what a storehouse of knowledge on MBs and a lot of other cars. AND he hooked me up with a great dentist in Alajuela.

It was interesting to see all the diesels on the road here, some in models I've never heard of. Unfortunately, the cost of all vehicles is so high, a person'd have to have more dollars than sense to buy one here and take it back to the states. I think it'd be cheaper to buy one directly from Japan or Germany.

All in all, Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a lot of beautiful people (inside and out) and I sure hope to visit again -- hopefully in the off season when there aren't so many loud and obnoxious tourists around. I wish I could've come 20 years ago when I first had the desire. Oh well!

Hey Brian! SO, how was your flight back home?

Folks, I just wanted to tell you all what a great guy is Brian. We spend hours talking on MB and non-MB related stuff. Alternatives fuels, general diesel cars, MB cars, etc. etc. Really good to finally meets someone from the board!

I think we should plan some vacation GTG in Costa Rica. As Brian saw, down here there are a lot of Benz, diesels mainly. Most people here that owns an old Benz are true mercedes fans. There are some really sweet benz rides here. Actually we are starting a club... We'll see how it turns out.

Unfortunately my car is still at the shop. If everything works out properly (insurance co. still haven't made a decision) I'll have my baby running next time any of you folks want to come visit.

Brian, I really hope to see you around here in the near future. Lots of things to see next time. Keep in touch so we can try to figure out some business that might let you come down here soon!

Greetings!!