In a message dated 11/16/05 20:19:58, GT350HZ@aol.com writes: << Mike, great story. I truely enjoyed it. >>>I'm glad! My goal isn't to gloat, but rather to share what I'm doing in the hopes of perhaps inspiring others. While I realize that few people will have the 'perfect storm' of opportunities that enabled me to do ALL the things that I did, I can guarantee you that each of you could easily do SOME of the things I have done, i.e. take a vacation to go to Le Mans one time, or something like that. The world seems so foreign to people who haven't been out there. Hopefully through my experiences you have come to know it a little bit better, and realized that maybe it's not so nutty to buy a plane ticket and fly halfway around the world to go to a car event. Even if you're in a rental car, and 80% of your vacation is spent with the wife visiting castles and museums. :>) >It is amazing the people you run into and that recognize you from your car. Some of the acquantences become friends and you were right to point out we are all in a special fraternity. >>>Indeed! >I hope your travels bring you home safely. >> >>>I have since returned home, the car is on a boat enroute to the USA, and tomorrow I leave for Iraq. :>) Gotta pay for all that fun you know. :>) Mike