Heya Dave, no, it wasn't your imagination - I was actually wearing a suit and tie.  I placed first in the U.S. in VW's first Service Qualification World Championship.  I'll be going to the factory in Wolfsburg next week to compete against 44 other master technicians from around the world.  VWoA is also flying my wife over on their dime so that she can spend time with me. They've also got a lot of activities planned for her that, from what I've seen, look really fun.

To give you an idea, we'll be staying at a hotel just outside the Autostadt, get treated to tours of the factory, the Autostadt and Wolfsburg Castle.  My goal is to get over there, have a great time and hopefully do well in the competition.  The competition is next friday and saturday so everybody think good thoughts for me while I'm there.  

lol David, I too remember when I got my first Scirocco and was lucky to find the (leaded fuel only!) fuel cap.  Thanks for helping me nurse all those cars along as I steadily abused them as much as I possibly could.  By the way, Rick and I still do our best Johnston impersonation every time a modified car comes in running like crap and it goes something like  "Oh good God, if the factory had wanted that junk on there they'd have put it on there when they built it".

Who'd a thunk it, eh?  I still have to pinch myself every once in a while to make sure that I'm awake.    

I've been doing a little online research about the stuff to see in Wolfsburg and it turns out that, in addition to the Autostadt, there's a place on Dieselstrasse called the VW Auto Museum.  It's full of all sorts of interesting and historical VWs.  We're taking a digital camera with us that's got a big memory card in it and I'm going to do my best to fill the card up with pictures.  I'll be sure to share the pics with you guys.

Tell Linda that, unfortunately, we'll have to carry our own luggage and open our own doors this trip but I really appreciate the selfless offer.  

Pretty impressive, no doubt.  I've asked him for a special momento that I can't really talk about in mixed company, but I'll let you know when I see you next time, David.  The paperwork Hal received said that they would be wearing "specially designed clothing" for the competition.  I hope it's one of those full-length lab coats with the VW roundel on it, like they wore in th Volkswagen 1200, 1962-1965 manual that I've got.  If not that, the flaming red Audi Overalls will do nicely.

And, on another matter, David....

Recycling bin?....

You know I can't resist this one....

You must be made of plastic.....

Or, if not, at least you're full of number two....

Just kidding big guy.

Hee Hee Hee
Best of luck, Herr Walters, just don't bring up how we bombed the ever-lovin' crap out of their factory years ago and you should do just fine.

Actually, she's 6' 4", her name is Helga, has braided hair in her armpits, and she....uh, never mind.
What I meant was, I have no idea what you are talking about.
No, Seriously.......