For starters, the visit to the Beetle specialist this morning was positive. 'Dr. Bug' said that my car could still run quite a distance before it is due for another service. They did fix the light for me though since the connection became loose and I was ready to go.

My favourite question to Dr. B is: "Is the Bug fit to be driven back to Klang now?"

His favourite answer? "It is even fit to fly to Singapore!"

A satisfied customer, I was. 

Anyhow, the trip from Cindy's house down south all the way back home was definitely one of its kind. Not only did Cindy receive a complimentary pass to an exclusive ride in my Beetle, she also got to access its free natural sauna feature. All Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners know that sweating is extremely beneficial for the health as it helps you detox, provided you drink enough water to compensate the loss of body liquid. 

Imagine all the people who pay huge sums of money just to sweat in gyms? What about the people in European countries who simply adore tanned skin and are willing to pay a high fee for an artificial tan? Needless to say, Cindy got it all for free. What's more, this is no ordinary sauna and tanning cubicle! This is a unique MOVING sauna and natural tanning cubicle, built in the shape of a classic car, which enables the 'customer' to enjoy the scenery all the way from Seremban to Klang. If people are willing to pay £20 for a fake tan, shouldn't I be charging more not only for a natural tan, but with all these extra features as well?

When one drives a classic, one will never fail to have fellow drivers honking at your car; whether it is out of admiration or to show up to you that they have a 'new and modern' car. As I was driving back from the Beetle clinic, a very old blue Mercedes drove up and honked twice, and tried to overtake my car. The car drove by me and the occupants looked at the car and put both their thumbs up, indicating that they loved Hahnemann. Since that blue Merc was obviously not from this era, I believe that the duo were also classic car lovers.

Exiting the town was no fun at all as I had a non-stop human radio blaring out loud into my left ear. 

"WHY IS IT SO HOT IN HERE?!?! WHY DIDN'T I TAKE THE TRAIN?!?!?! IT FEELS LIKE A SAUNA IN HERE!!! WHY DID I AGREE TO TAKE A RIDE WITH YOU IN THIS THING???"

Ouch! My poor left ear. Instead of being grateful for the free sauna and natural tanning service, Cindy complained non-stop until we exited into the highway. With the strong wind blowing against her face, she soon forgot about the heat and did her very best to stay awake throughout the journey. I have not fixed any radio or CD player in my Bug. The only thing there is is a portable battery-operated Buddhist chantbox hanging in front, which I doubt anyone can hear when switched on while the car is moving since the sound of the wind drifting into the car at 70 miles/hour can be quite deafening.

I have never ever dreamt in my life that I will one day end up buying a yellow vehicle. I used to remark how ugly yellow vehicles were whenever we passed by one on the road. Since I travelled to New York quite frequently back then, I remember thinking to myself that a yellow vehicle looked exactly just like a cab in New York! I ended up buying this yellow car because the seller advertised another white unit online. Had he advertised this on that ad, I am sure I would never have given him a call! However, when I got to physically view the unit, this was definitely in a way, way much better condition than the white one. Although I did hesitate for a few days if I should take this yellow-cab-looking Beetle, its tiptop engine condition and interior maintenance managed to win me over. So here I am, finally, a yellow-cab-looking Beetle driver on the roads of Malaysia. Unfortunately, the cab is not for hire. 

It never struck me before but a friend of mine reminded me that 'yellow' is the colour of those little creatures, which people have fallen heads-over-heels over - the minions from the movie "Despicable Me". Maybe I should consider painting the blue uniform on the Beetle to keep up with the trend? Just another random thought that I know will never materialise (Oops.. Here I go again. Never say never!)

Halfway through our highway journey, I met with another yellow 'brother' on the road. The modern-looking vehicle was a locally-produced compact car. Its occupants were excited having identified another similar 'odd-looking-coloured-vehicle' on the same road. Maybe it is the fact that this 45-year-old Bug overtook them on the highway at high-speed that led to all the children pressing their noses against the window; screaming and waving at us incessantly. Cindy immediately drew her iPad and tried to snap a photo of that historical moment as I continued paying attention on the road. Thinking that Cindy was trying to snap their photo, they began posing as their father, the driver, tried to keep up with my 1968 classic junk. Oh yes indeed. There is still a strain of 'Herbie-spirit' in all classic Beetles alright.

Until today, I have not a single clue how I am going to complete writing 10 non-fiction books in one year with other thousand and one things on my to-do-list. All I can say is that I will have to close my eyes and just do it. Someone asked me what if I am unable to cope with the challenge, will I just give up? If we are to live with "what ifs", we will never achieve anything. This is my goal and I will stick to it. This is a test of determination, enthusiasm, patience and the strength of willpower. As long as my body is in a good state of health and still kicking, I will make sure I succeed.

Love and light,

Genevieve