Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Now we wait...
All the formalities are finished. My daughter's passport arrived this past weekend, so we are all set. Now all that's left is to tie up the loose ends and then wait. Tick, tock, tick, tock.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Everything on track
According to an email from Audi, they will take care of the hotel arrangements as I requested. So far I am very impressed with this whole process. No hiccups at all, to this point. I await the final paperwork, which is due to me in a couple of weeks.
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Q5 is built!
I got official notification from my dealer today that my vehicle is completed. He gave me a print out of the vehicle configuration, complete with VIN. Today, I emailed my information sheet, as instructed in my packet. A month from today, I will finalize the transaction, trade in the A4 (unless I get a buyer between now and then) and get my paperwork all put together to take to Germany.
In a nutshell, this is happening, boys and girls! I couldn't be more excited! All that's left to do now is wait. The only bit of unfinished business is to get my daughter's passport back from the State Department. We've been delayed twice now over stupid things that should have been caught by the processor when we applied. I think now, however, they have everything they need and we should have the document soon. Believe me, I could write a whole separate blog on the passport fiasco. The efficiency and competence (please note the sarcasm) of the federal government never cease to amaze me. No wonder we're $14 trillion in debt. But I digress.
Another item checked off the list in the last few days was obtaining an international driving permit. My research has told me that getting an international driving permit, while not a necessity, is helpful if there are any problems with the local police. Since police in Europe do not have ready access to the US driver databases, the international driving permit serves to bridge that gap. I hope I never need it, but I do. It was fairly easy and cheap to get and only took a week or so to get it.
I've made hotel reservations for most of the nights on our trip, but I've kept a couple of open nights to give us some flexibility at certain junctures of the trip. I'm trying not to put us on such a rigid schedule that it becomes more important than enjoying the trip. I don't want to be a slave to a schedule, but I do want to be sure I have places to stay locked down in certain towns, so we don't have to waste time trying to find a place to stay.
In the next couple of weeks, I want to test pack a suitcase to see how much it's going to weigh. The weight limit is 50 pounds per bag. If you exceed that, you get charged a hefty fee by the airlines. Carry-ons are not weighed, so I need to find the best balance of weight and volume.
So much to do, and the time is getting short. I'm hoping the rest of the preparations go smoothly. So far, everything on Audi's end has gone according to plan.
In a nutshell, this is happening, boys and girls! I couldn't be more excited! All that's left to do now is wait. The only bit of unfinished business is to get my daughter's passport back from the State Department. We've been delayed twice now over stupid things that should have been caught by the processor when we applied. I think now, however, they have everything they need and we should have the document soon. Believe me, I could write a whole separate blog on the passport fiasco. The efficiency and competence (please note the sarcasm) of the federal government never cease to amaze me. No wonder we're $14 trillion in debt. But I digress.
Another item checked off the list in the last few days was obtaining an international driving permit. My research has told me that getting an international driving permit, while not a necessity, is helpful if there are any problems with the local police. Since police in Europe do not have ready access to the US driver databases, the international driving permit serves to bridge that gap. I hope I never need it, but I do. It was fairly easy and cheap to get and only took a week or so to get it.
I've made hotel reservations for most of the nights on our trip, but I've kept a couple of open nights to give us some flexibility at certain junctures of the trip. I'm trying not to put us on such a rigid schedule that it becomes more important than enjoying the trip. I don't want to be a slave to a schedule, but I do want to be sure I have places to stay locked down in certain towns, so we don't have to waste time trying to find a place to stay.
In the next couple of weeks, I want to test pack a suitcase to see how much it's going to weigh. The weight limit is 50 pounds per bag. If you exceed that, you get charged a hefty fee by the airlines. Carry-ons are not weighed, so I need to find the best balance of weight and volume.
So much to do, and the time is getting short. I'm hoping the rest of the preparations go smoothly. So far, everything on Audi's end has gone according to plan.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Some early lessons learned
Traveling to Europe can be complicated, as I am finding out. As I've said in previous posts, it's been more than 25 years since I last went. Obviously, the world has changed. Many of the issues I'm trying to work out for this trip didn't even exist in 1988. Fortunately, we have far more tools at our disposal now than we did then.
I thought I'd post a quick list of lessons learned, so far. I know there are many more to learn, but this is what I've learned to date.
1. The cell phone conundrum.
In 1988 there were no cell phones. At least, I'd never seen one and certainly didn't need to worry about using one in Germany. How things have changed. I will be taking one to Germany, but I have been trying to figure out how best to go about it. Many US cell phones will not work there. I happen to use Verizon. Most Verizon phones will not work in Europe (Same for Sprint. ATT and TMobile are OK). I happen to have an HTC Incredible 2, which will work. However, Verizon's overseas plans are outrageously expensive. So after some research, I've decided on a couple of alternatives. The first is to unlock my Verizon phone and purchase a prepaid SIM card when I get to Germany. That seems to be the best option. The other is to purchase an unlocked TMobile or ATT phone here and buy a SIM card there. But since I already have a phone, it seems silly to purchase another one. The disadvantage to doing this is that I cannot receive calls at my Verizon phone number while I'm away.
2. Internet
Again, another problem that did not exist in 1988. It's closely related to the cell phone problem. Since my phone is an Android smartphone, I need to be able to have internet access. But again, internet service is expensive and on the prepaid plans I've seen, very limited. However, there is a solution. A company called XCom Global (http://www.xcomglobal.com) rents 3G MiFi devices for Europe. For about $20/day you get your own portable WiFi hotspot, through which you get unlimited internet access and the ability to connect up to five devices at a time. Which means I can connect my phone, my daughter's phone, my tablet and a laptop. While 20 bucks a day seems pricey, it's worth it, in my opinion, to be able to stay connected. I need access to my email while I'm away, and this seems like the best way to get it. The MiFi unit also has a battery, so you can carry it with you in a pocket or purse and have internet while you are walking though the towns. If you use Google maps to get around, this is a must.
As a rule, most hotels have a WiFi connection, either in the room or in a common area, but some don't, or will charge for access. If you don't need internet on the road, you can stay connected in this way for a lot cheaper.
3. Money.
Back in the day, each country had its own currency. Marks in Germany, francs in France, lire in Italy, etc. That has all changed, but not totally. Most of Europe now uses the euro, with some notable exceptions. Switzerland is not part of the European Union, and therefore, continues to use Swiss francs--not to be confused with French francs, because France uses the euro. Liechtenstein, one of our destinations, also uses Swiss francs. From what I've read, it's always wise to carry cash and it's best to get cash from an ATM, which generally have the best exchange rates and lowest fees. Use your bank's ATM card or debit card to get cash. Getting cash from an ATM with a credit card incurs extra fees, such as a cash advance fee. From what I've read, it's best to use credit cards for purchases and hotels and cash for food and other small purchases. But you will get charged. Banks routinely charge a fee for overseas transactions. You will get the best exchange rate, though, using a credit card. Check with your bank and credit card company for a couple of things; first, make sure they know you're traveling overseas. Your card may be denied if you try to use it overseas without letting them know you're there. Second, find out what your maximum per day ATM withdrawl limit is. It's best to take a few large chunks of cash from ATMs instead of a lot of small withdrawls. You get charged for each transaction, so fewer transactions means fewer fees.
3. Hotels
The internet is a great tool for finding hotels. Google maps can zoom in on a particular area and show you the location and contact information for all the hotels in that area. Most hotels these days are reachable via email. Many have web sites. I preferred those hotels that had English versions of their web sites, because then I could be reasonably assured the hotelier would speak English. Booking a room can be done via email. I've booked a few already. The hoteliers are friendly and will respond in English within a day or so. You can tell them what kind of room you want, when you want to stay, and they will respond with availability and price. Then you just reply back to confirm the reservation. Many smaller hotels do not require a deposit or credit card to make the reservation. I will post later on how all those email reservations worked out.
4. Driving in Europe
I learned to drive in Germany, so German traffic laws are not so foreign to me. But for those who are not familiar with the driving laws, here are a couple of things to be aware of.
The Autobahn: While much of the Autobahn has no speed limit, there are parts that do, especially in construction zones and in more urban areas. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Do not cruise in the left or middle lanes. Stay right and only move into left lanes to pass. NEVER pass on the right. Be careful when approaching a long line of trucks. I always thought German trucks were grossly underpowered. They do not move nearly as fast as American trucks and when they attempt to pass another slow-moving truck, they pose a tremendous hazard.
In town: There are bicycles everywhere and they are subject to traffic laws, just like cars, and should be treated as such. Also, pedestrians always have the right of way. German streets are notoriously narrow, so use caution. Be aware of the "no parking" and "no stopping" signs. It would do you well to familiarize yourself with European signs. Most make sense and are intuitive, but you should know what you're dealing with. Google search "European road signs" for more information. One more in-town tip--cobblestones, while very quaint and European, are slippery when wet...very slippery. Our Audis with quattro handle wet cobblestones better than most, just be aware.
Other things to be aware of: If you drive in Austria, you need to buy a toll sticker. A 10-day sticker costs about 8 euros and can be purchased at gas stations near the border. Fines for not having one are 300 euros. Switzerland also requires a "Vignette", which costs about 40 francs. Check the respective countries' tourist bureau web sites for more country-specific information.
That's all for now. I'll post more as I think of more things to pass on.
I thought I'd post a quick list of lessons learned, so far. I know there are many more to learn, but this is what I've learned to date.
1. The cell phone conundrum.
In 1988 there were no cell phones. At least, I'd never seen one and certainly didn't need to worry about using one in Germany. How things have changed. I will be taking one to Germany, but I have been trying to figure out how best to go about it. Many US cell phones will not work there. I happen to use Verizon. Most Verizon phones will not work in Europe (Same for Sprint. ATT and TMobile are OK). I happen to have an HTC Incredible 2, which will work. However, Verizon's overseas plans are outrageously expensive. So after some research, I've decided on a couple of alternatives. The first is to unlock my Verizon phone and purchase a prepaid SIM card when I get to Germany. That seems to be the best option. The other is to purchase an unlocked TMobile or ATT phone here and buy a SIM card there. But since I already have a phone, it seems silly to purchase another one. The disadvantage to doing this is that I cannot receive calls at my Verizon phone number while I'm away.
2. Internet
Again, another problem that did not exist in 1988. It's closely related to the cell phone problem. Since my phone is an Android smartphone, I need to be able to have internet access. But again, internet service is expensive and on the prepaid plans I've seen, very limited. However, there is a solution. A company called XCom Global (http://www.xcomglobal.com) rents 3G MiFi devices for Europe. For about $20/day you get your own portable WiFi hotspot, through which you get unlimited internet access and the ability to connect up to five devices at a time. Which means I can connect my phone, my daughter's phone, my tablet and a laptop. While 20 bucks a day seems pricey, it's worth it, in my opinion, to be able to stay connected. I need access to my email while I'm away, and this seems like the best way to get it. The MiFi unit also has a battery, so you can carry it with you in a pocket or purse and have internet while you are walking though the towns. If you use Google maps to get around, this is a must.
As a rule, most hotels have a WiFi connection, either in the room or in a common area, but some don't, or will charge for access. If you don't need internet on the road, you can stay connected in this way for a lot cheaper.
3. Money.
Back in the day, each country had its own currency. Marks in Germany, francs in France, lire in Italy, etc. That has all changed, but not totally. Most of Europe now uses the euro, with some notable exceptions. Switzerland is not part of the European Union, and therefore, continues to use Swiss francs--not to be confused with French francs, because France uses the euro. Liechtenstein, one of our destinations, also uses Swiss francs. From what I've read, it's always wise to carry cash and it's best to get cash from an ATM, which generally have the best exchange rates and lowest fees. Use your bank's ATM card or debit card to get cash. Getting cash from an ATM with a credit card incurs extra fees, such as a cash advance fee. From what I've read, it's best to use credit cards for purchases and hotels and cash for food and other small purchases. But you will get charged. Banks routinely charge a fee for overseas transactions. You will get the best exchange rate, though, using a credit card. Check with your bank and credit card company for a couple of things; first, make sure they know you're traveling overseas. Your card may be denied if you try to use it overseas without letting them know you're there. Second, find out what your maximum per day ATM withdrawl limit is. It's best to take a few large chunks of cash from ATMs instead of a lot of small withdrawls. You get charged for each transaction, so fewer transactions means fewer fees.
3. Hotels
The internet is a great tool for finding hotels. Google maps can zoom in on a particular area and show you the location and contact information for all the hotels in that area. Most hotels these days are reachable via email. Many have web sites. I preferred those hotels that had English versions of their web sites, because then I could be reasonably assured the hotelier would speak English. Booking a room can be done via email. I've booked a few already. The hoteliers are friendly and will respond in English within a day or so. You can tell them what kind of room you want, when you want to stay, and they will respond with availability and price. Then you just reply back to confirm the reservation. Many smaller hotels do not require a deposit or credit card to make the reservation. I will post later on how all those email reservations worked out.
4. Driving in Europe
I learned to drive in Germany, so German traffic laws are not so foreign to me. But for those who are not familiar with the driving laws, here are a couple of things to be aware of.
The Autobahn: While much of the Autobahn has no speed limit, there are parts that do, especially in construction zones and in more urban areas. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Do not cruise in the left or middle lanes. Stay right and only move into left lanes to pass. NEVER pass on the right. Be careful when approaching a long line of trucks. I always thought German trucks were grossly underpowered. They do not move nearly as fast as American trucks and when they attempt to pass another slow-moving truck, they pose a tremendous hazard.
In town: There are bicycles everywhere and they are subject to traffic laws, just like cars, and should be treated as such. Also, pedestrians always have the right of way. German streets are notoriously narrow, so use caution. Be aware of the "no parking" and "no stopping" signs. It would do you well to familiarize yourself with European signs. Most make sense and are intuitive, but you should know what you're dealing with. Google search "European road signs" for more information. One more in-town tip--cobblestones, while very quaint and European, are slippery when wet...very slippery. Our Audis with quattro handle wet cobblestones better than most, just be aware.
Other things to be aware of: If you drive in Austria, you need to buy a toll sticker. A 10-day sticker costs about 8 euros and can be purchased at gas stations near the border. Fines for not having one are 300 euros. Switzerland also requires a "Vignette", which costs about 40 francs. Check the respective countries' tourist bureau web sites for more country-specific information.
That's all for now. I'll post more as I think of more things to pass on.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Revised itinerary
I like to plan. Some would say I obsess about it. I say it's just prudent to plan, especially when you're going to an unfamiliar place. So in the spirit of prudent planning, I have revised, and re-revised my itinerary for my trip to Germany. Of course, it is subject to additional revision.
Day 1: Fly out and arrive in Germany at the beginning of Day 2.
Day 2: Arrive in Stuttgart in the morning and take a train to Ingolstadt. Stay in Ingolstadt.
Day 3: Rest and recover from jet lag. If we are feeling up to it, take a train to Munich to sightsee and visit the Oktoberfest, in full swing.
Day 4: Take delivery of the Q5 in the morning. Tour the factory and museum in the afternoon. Drive to Dachau and stay there. Hotel reservations made.
Day 5: Drive to Herrenchiemsee in the morning and take a tour of the palace. Return to Dachau and visit the concentration camp in the afternoon. Stay a second night in Dachau.
Day 6: Head south and west into the Alps and visit Ludwig's other castles, Linderhof, Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. Stay the night in Fussen. Hotel reservation made.
Day 7: Head south through the Alps into Austria, then head west toward Switzerland, stopping in Liechtenstein along the way. Stay the night in Bern.
Day 8: North to Germany and through the Black Forest and the Pfalz Mountains. Stay somewhere near Kaiserslautern. No reservations, because I'm not sure where we'll end up.
Day 9: Head east through Heidelberg and along the Neckar river, then up to Wertheim at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers.
Day 10: Spend some time in Wertheim and Wurzburg, then to Rothenburg. Stay the night in Rothenburg. Reservation made.
Day 11: South to Stuttgart. Visit the Porsche museum, if time allows. Drop the car off for shipping and stay the night at the Marriott in Sindelfingen.
Day 12: Fly home.
Day 13: Sleep all day. Dream of getting my Q5 in about eight weeks.
Day 1: Fly out and arrive in Germany at the beginning of Day 2.
Day 2: Arrive in Stuttgart in the morning and take a train to Ingolstadt. Stay in Ingolstadt.
Day 3: Rest and recover from jet lag. If we are feeling up to it, take a train to Munich to sightsee and visit the Oktoberfest, in full swing.
Day 4: Take delivery of the Q5 in the morning. Tour the factory and museum in the afternoon. Drive to Dachau and stay there. Hotel reservations made.
Day 5: Drive to Herrenchiemsee in the morning and take a tour of the palace. Return to Dachau and visit the concentration camp in the afternoon. Stay a second night in Dachau.
Day 6: Head south and west into the Alps and visit Ludwig's other castles, Linderhof, Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. Stay the night in Fussen. Hotel reservation made.
Day 7: Head south through the Alps into Austria, then head west toward Switzerland, stopping in Liechtenstein along the way. Stay the night in Bern.
Day 8: North to Germany and through the Black Forest and the Pfalz Mountains. Stay somewhere near Kaiserslautern. No reservations, because I'm not sure where we'll end up.
Day 9: Head east through Heidelberg and along the Neckar river, then up to Wertheim at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers.
Day 10: Spend some time in Wertheim and Wurzburg, then to Rothenburg. Stay the night in Rothenburg. Reservation made.
Day 11: South to Stuttgart. Visit the Porsche museum, if time allows. Drop the car off for shipping and stay the night at the Marriott in Sindelfingen.
Day 12: Fly home.
Day 13: Sleep all day. Dream of getting my Q5 in about eight weeks.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
My packet has arrived!
In my last post I explained how the information packet I hoped to receive had not yet come, and according to the salesman, would not come until the vehicle was built. Well, today the packet showed up on my porch via Fedex. And I have to say, these people at Audi know how to do things right.
I expected a plain manila envelope with the information inside. Instead, I received a sleek, black zipper binder with a welcome letter, supplemental information, a notepad with special Audi stationery, an Audi luggage tag and a high-tech aluminum Audi pen. There are plenty of pockets in the binder to stash all the paperwork needed for the delivery and the zipper ensures it all stays together. A very thoughtful idea. And very cool.
According to the letter, we begin the delivery process at 10 a.m., and at 11:30 take a tour of the factory. Lunch follows the tour, and then we are free to tour the museum.
With a letter and commission number in hand, I guess it's official. Delivery day is less than two months away, and both Nikki and I are very excited for our adventure.
Now if I could just get the A4 sold...
According to the letter, we begin the delivery process at 10 a.m., and at 11:30 take a tour of the factory. Lunch follows the tour, and then we are free to tour the museum.
With a letter and commission number in hand, I guess it's official. Delivery day is less than two months away, and both Nikki and I are very excited for our adventure.
Now if I could just get the A4 sold...
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