Horry clap. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ramonajim · #1 10-06-2009, 10:39 AM

I am stunned to the point of (nearly

) speechless.

I just got the most amazing invitation I can imagine. I've been bugging James to get over to the US so that I can repay some of the kindness he has shown me, taking care of me on my many visits to the company he works for in Shunde, China.

Well, he just flipped the table on me.

He, his lovely wife, and their ridiculously cute kidlet have asked Darling Wife and I to join them, summer of 2011.

To freakin' drive from Shunde to Tibet. The question is not if, it is only how.

pj67coll · #2 10-06-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramonajim

I am stunned to the point of (nearly

) speechless.

I just got the most amazing invitation I can imagine. I've been bugging James to get over to the US so that I can repay some of the kindness he has shown me, taking care of me on my many visits to the company he works for in Shunde, China.

Well, he just flipped the table on me.

He, his lovely wife, and their ridiculously cute kidlet have asked Darling Wife and I to join them, summer of 2011.

To freakin' drive from Shunde to Tibet. The question is not if, it is only how.

Sounds like a potentially neat trip, especially if you are doing it in some kind of Mercedes. I know they have them over there too. As long as you don't wind up in a Chinese prison of course on suspicion of being westerners attempting ot aid Tibetan separatists. What company does this freind of yours work for?

- Peter.

BobK · #3 10-06-2009, 11:05 AM

What's that, like 23-2400 miles? Actually sounds like an interesting/exciting/fun/educational trip. Just be sure to get all the best info on what to rent to drive. Or can you take a train most of the way?

Mike D · #4 10-06-2009, 11:23 AM

While you're there, check around and see what the local people are doing about the "stink bugs" which you have swarming at the house.

Fulcrum525 · #5 10-06-2009, 11:33 AM

Umm....what are the roads going to be like out there? I get the distinct feeling that your going to need an upgrade....

Mike D · #6 10-06-2009, 11:46 AM

Just gotta love those directions, especially if you substitute curse words for the Chinese symbols.

For instance, #12 on the list probably says "Arsebreaker turns slightly left and becomes muddy shyte".

ramonajim · #7 10-06-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

Sounds like a potentially neat trip, especially if you are doing it in some kind of Mercedes. I know they have them over there too. As long as you don't wind up in a Chinese prison of course on suspicion of being westerners attempting ot aid Tibetan separatists. What company does this freind of yours work for?

- Peter.

James is a Chinese national, works for a contract manufacturer. He and his wife will be buying a new SUV of one flavor or another. They're planning on a minimum of 2 weeks, hoping to get enough time/money to take 4 weeks.

And, he reminded me somewhat forcefully, he is 'culturally obligated' to make sure that we, as his guests, are comfortably housed and over fed throughout the journey. So unless I can twist his arm hard enough, this may wind up costing little more than airfare and trinket money.

SwampYankee · #8 10-06-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramonajim

James is a Chinese national, works for a contract manufacturer. He and his wife will be buying a new SUV of one flavor or another. They're planning on a minimum of 2 weeks, hoping to get enough time/money to take 4 weeks.

And, he reminded me somewhat forcefully, he is 'culturally obligated' to make sure that we, as his guests, are comfortably housed and over fed throughout the journey. So unless I can twist his arm hard enough, this may wind up costing little more than airfare and trinket money.

Sounds like a great trip to me! Hope everything works out.

And I didn't get your title until I just now realized

it was a typo.

Hory Clap indeed!

Jim B. · #9 10-06-2009, 02:23 PM

Fleets of news Mercedes Benzes regularly make such journeys around the world.

Several months ago, I saw a few of them resting at the Mercedes Benz Classic center, after the intro of the E350 Bluetec Diesel..

I recall in reading accounts of travel in this area, the biggest trouble and threat was dust, dust, dust.

They have to have ALL filters replaced REALLY frequently.

SO you guys will need to load up on lots and lots of air filters, cabin air filters, and such things at the dealer before you leave; new car or not.

I cannot even BEGIN to imagine the scarcity of dealer help, available. 1-800-FORMERCEDES won't work! So a lot of luck will be needed.

Could be the trip of a lifetime, and the cementing of a good friendship, after a trip like this one is over and done, I think that your families will either love or HATE each other, it is safe to say.