We started by staging. With the roof down, we have room for one large and one small suitcase under the roof storage area, and plenty of space for laptop, cameras, and souveniers. On the back seat will be the cooler, and eventually the china. After satisfying ourselves that everything would fit, we decided that it was time to get the car serviced.
I just love the Audi dealership, especially the service department. We took the convertible in for its 15K check up before the big trip. We were greeted at the door by an impeccably attired service rep, who ushered us into the “service reception area”, replete with stylish furniture and comfortable chairs. As he entered our data, we were offered a variety of refreshments to pass the few minutes the process took. I was reminded of the character Serge from Beverly Hills Cop. “You want I should fix you some cappuccino? I put a little tweest of lemon in it.” We asked if the sales rep could explain a couple of the buttons we couldn’t identify. Our rep, Daniel, called out, “Mr. John, could you show this lovely couple some things about their Audi?” Mr. John, whom we met when we first bought the car, walked over, looking every bit like Martin Landau. Of course, with a car on their showroom floor that costs more than our first house, I guess they feel they can afford to be snooty.