Strawberries and Cream

The days i had my little strawberries-and-cream (for those who don't know, and there are MANY, the color is actually slightly pink), now 44-year old, engineering wonder were some of the most enjoyable days of mt life.

It was love at first sight.

I remember looking at what second hand vintage beetles were being sold at the yard of a VW shop in pampanga. There were 70's models being set-up, some having parts changed to suit its owner's taste and personality. There was an orange one with cream interiors, small wheels (VW Beetles have relatvely larger sized wheels than newer cars), a sporty new small steering wheel. Another older one was being restored to something more y taste; it was a mid-late 60's model, and being restored to its original state. It was forest green, had its original interior set-up, details, etc.

We proceeded to the yard of the shop to see what other beetles were being sold, and there was a sporty apple green 1302 being sold. Fully restored, ready to be driven out. We looked on, saw a few others. And then there was this particular one that stood out. An old, somewhat neglected white one. It had a little rust (normal for cars of its age), was full of dust, didnt have a good back seat, it lacked one window winder, among other things, but it was beautiful. The owner took it to the shop to have a minor repairs done, and decided to have it sold, and left it to the shop owners to find a buyer.

Compared to its more modern counterparts, this 1962 beetle was pure class. It was elegant. Its curves were gentle, streamlined. I sat inside. It smelled of that distince old-leather apholstery scent unique to VW Beetles. The interiors, if completed, were to be a collection of little timeless pieces; made and designed with the attenion to detail and care characteristic of the time it was made. It was made to last and made to be beautiful. Before the day was over, it was mine.

After a little over 2 months of restoration, i drove my beetle home. It was almost evening then, and the shiny and new mild pink/white paint glowed in the late afternoon sun. The once almost neglected beauty was now new again, looking smart, proud, and strutting its stuff. I turned the ignition to start the engine and it came alive to that special sound only VWs of its kind make. I looked around me and saw that what had previously been a water-stained winshield and windows were now crystal clear. The ceiling had a fresh new cream material stretched into place. Thanks to the mechanic, i had new original tan-colored rear seats in place. I opened the vent wings, and the windows, turned on the headlights, and drove into the road. It was so beautiful, i was intimidated. I was driving a piece of art, a machine that has proven itself through time, classic engineering, with plenty of history behind it, and many stories to tell. It was pure bliss.

I lived quite far from school, compared to most people that went to the university. On a good day, (light traffic) it would take me 45 minutes to get to school, and on a normal-heavy day, 1 1/12-2 hours to arrive. But it didn't matter. I enjoyed driving, and i enjoyed driving my beetle. Every part of it was fun; from the ritual of winding down the window and opening the vent wings, before you drive off and after you arrive at the place, to opening up the front hood to load bags and groceries. From shining the bumpers to the little chrome parts inside. Washing it with care not to scratch, or let water in areas where they might drip into the interiors. Even maintiaining it was fun, i thougt the engineering was genious. It proves that the most basic designs are still the most reliable, and is has and still is outliving most new cars of recent years. I got a kick out of figuring out how it worked, what made it different, special. The trunk was up front, the engine at teh back. No need to place water in its radiator because it is air-cooled. The space tire was up front, the brake fluid container behind it. The batteries were underneath the rear seats. There was to be only one side view mirror (i didn't even have any yet, hadn't replaced the old one i took out).

When i drove it, i was happy, i would have the windows open, wind blowning on my face and hair, my cd player playing some of my favorite music. Each time i walked to it when i would leave a place, or walk away from it after i arrived, seeing it would make me smile.

Many of my friends would think i was crazy, "...no aircon? How do you survive?" and things to that effect, but it didn't matter to me, it made every day that much more enjoyable.

The love story of my beetle and i had to come to an abrupt end. I had to leave for Spain and left it with an uncle.

These days, ive been driving what i would like to call "My new beetle". Makes me almost just as happy, but in a new way...