It’s October of 1999, and I have been on the road for three years full time implementing Y2K software for the company where I work. Finally, I got a break from work, and Tammy and I took a trip to Cozumel. Unfortunately, I used my free airline miles to get us there and that was a huge mistake.
We spent almost 24 hours jumping from plane to plane because our first flight arrived late at Ohare Airport. Later we sat in the Mexico City Airport almost resigned to just heading home because we couldn’t get any airline employee to help us get connections that would move us in the right direction. Finally, we found an employee that got us back on track, after running back and forth dragging heavy scuba bags and luggage around the airport. It was a nightmare, but two flights later we were there.
I’ll never forget the smell at the resort when we finally arrived on the Island at about midnight. It smelled like burnt garlic. In addition, the resort was completely closed as far as serving food, so we just crashed. The next day I would find out, after breakfast, that I had double ear infections, and I wouldn’t be able to go scuba diving with Tammy. This had been the whole purpose of the trip. So, the first couple days I was sick in bed, and Tammy was in a hammock reading. Not what you picture as a vacation at all. After a few days I was feeling good but still not released to go diving.
One thing we were able to do is rent a car to tour the island.
We were told by the staff that a car rental was possible just outside the resort gates. Imagine my surprise when we ended up renting a red Volkswagen Beetle. From the outside of the car, it looked great. However, this car was a mechanical mess. Bad brakes, horrible suspension, a worn-out clutch. It was a rolling disaster.
This was the first time in 18 years that I had been behind the wheel of a VW beetle.
Even though this car was a mess, I absolutely loved driving it. We took it all the way around the island, and it lit a fire in me to get another 1966 Beetle. The picture above was on the back side of the island where the waves are more dramatic. It made for a great picture.
Little did I know at that point that five years later, I would have two 1966 VW beetles sitting in my driveway. I had started my search almost immediately when we returned. One I had purchased two years after that Cozumel trip, and the last one I bought in 2005 from a woman in San Diego California.
Had the trip to Cozumel never taken place, I doubt that fire would have been re-lit. I sure am glad it was!
