Introduction
My loyal readers – assuming I have faithful readers – will have noticed that my writings have suffered from a terrifying lack of inspiration or subject matter lately. For my bi-monthly contribution, I’m almost completely dependent on the input you, my continental cab lovers, provide me. I’m equally stuck when your stories or news does not reach me.
You know that I’m not a mechanical man. Like Manuel, “I know nothing”. Nothing about pistons, crankshafts, gaskets, valves, etc. (I had to look up those words on the Internet!). These ‘things’ are all Chinese to me, so I can’t spoil you with elaborate texts about the workings of my cab’s engine. I know how to start and drive my car; but, that’s about it.
Over the last couple of years, I have bothered you with reports about my trips to the Flemish countryside, and have written about the traces that the First World War has left in my area, about Ypres and Passchendaele… And I ensured that ‘The Phantom’ was prominent in my pictures. I took some comfort from the idea – or should I say illusion? – that an article that didn’t deal with mechanical matters would be a welcome diversion from the beaten path.
Something different. Or am I being too optimistic?
But now I’m stuck. The weather is too cold and wet to wake The Phantom from its well-deserved hibernation, so no trips are ahead.
And that’s when the wife comes in.
Feeling sorry for my “dire straits” – I often put up quite a pathetic face – she came up with a simple but interesting idea. What if members made a kind of ‘Identity Kit’ of their cab?
The ‘Vintage Taxi’ members magazine ould introduce a member’s cab in each issue so that members get to know the variety of cabs driving in Europe, they also get to know the owners.
What I’m asking from you
What I’m asking from you, dear Continentals, is quite easy. Please fill in the questionnaire below.
• You don’t have to write English, you can use your native language.
• You don’t have to answer every question. Pick the ones you like.
• You don’t have to write full sentences, let alone Shakespearean verses; a few phrases and some sentence parts are enough.
• Don’t forget to add one or more pictures of your cab.
Please help me to remove the pathetic look from my face and overwhelm me with your comments. You will be assured of my eternal gratitude.