Day 84 - Getting VW Parts

(Ursula) Wolfgang felt better this morning, and our companions could continue their journey. Perhaps we will meet them again between here and Panama at some point.

Wally and I wonder if Heinz's parts mission is going well and if he has already achieved something or was sitting somewhere desperately tearing his hair out!

Meanwhile, Wally is continuing to clean and recondition engine parts. While dismantling the other cylinder head, he discovered that (4) valve guides also needed to be replaced. So, I returned to the payphone, called the dealer in Guatemala City, and ordered the additional parts. They couldn't say whether Heinz had already been there, so we hoped for the best.

Wally and I went to a restaurant to eat dinner, and now our stomachs are growling.

(Heinz's Notes) On my way to Guatemala City. With each stop, more people hopped on the bus. The air conditioning wasn't working, but the half-open windows provided a welcoming breeze. It was hot and humid. Sweat was running down my body. The bus is quite full by now. The bag from a standing-room-only passenger was constantly banging my shoulder. Right behind me was a lady with a cage of chickens. It started to smell uncomfortable.

I changed buses in Tapachula and reached the Guatemalan border around 5 AM. The crossing was easy. I could register the old engine parts to avoid paying duty for the new parts on the way back (something I had learned while working for Piaget in New York). I had a bite to eat in a cafe, then located a direct bus to Guatemala City.

I arrived at 4:20 PM and immediately took a taxi to Continental Motors, S.A., where I met Mr. Bosch. He accompanied me to the spare parts department, where I received the parts and paid for the order.

It was nice to converse with Mr. Bosch in German. He advised me to stay at the Hotel Gran Continental. I followed his recommendation and went straight to bed after dinner. It felt luxurious to shower and sleep on an excellent soft mattress for a change! I was wondering how Ursula and Wally were doing.Läs mer