July was an unusually hot and dry month with only about 7 mm of rain (as against 37 mm that is the average for the month). However August brought with it lots more rain. I was dreading the weather and the drive in rain because of the rains that had drenched us in the first ten days of the month. Travis meanwhile was in touch with me. I had not registered to attend the show until about the first week of August. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it due to other commitments. However I saw the opportunity and decided to grab it. I couldn't leave before Friday and I had to be back by Sunday night. It is a more than 1600 km journey point to point. Due to the increased number of cars this year, all the spots on the Saturday morning ferry were booked. The organizers however arranged for cars to be sent over the island on Friday night where they would be locked in a secure compound. Friday however was not an option for me and by the time I got round to registering there were no Saturday spots. The only way to get to the Governors Island is by ferry. We have all seen pictures and some you tube videos of VW's swimming in water but I wasn't about to try that.
Chris and Travis promised to put Billo on a priority watch for any spots that may become available.
We arrived at our relatives house in Staten Island past mid night and went straight to sleep. I unloaded the things and gave Billo a rinse at Sehri time. The waxing would have to wait till we get to the show venue. It is about 45 minutes drive to the ferry terminal and I was the first to reach. I don't know how Chris managed it but Billo had the front row 'seat' on the ferry when it departed. A 5 minute crossing and we were there. All the show cars were assigned numbers and Billo got her lucky 13. The spots were marked with small orange cones so it was easy to find the allocated space. I got to work waxing Billo to a high gloss and attempted to put the beautiful visor Shahzeb had sent over from Pakistan. It would have been a great item to display on the car but after scratching Billo's paint at three spots I gave up and decided to display it in front of the car instead. The show was formally opened at 10.30 however people had started to arrive and Billo was immediately the centre of attraction. There were about 70 cars / buses attending this year and some of them were in amazing nick.
Billo was flying the Pakistan flag and I explained to the people that it was our independence day tomorrow. The spectators were simply awestruck by the fine artwork and the even hand of the artist. I wish I could have invited the person who did most of the work to stand in front of the crowd and receive compliments for his work. The car that came second was a beautifully restored 1955 Oval and I voted for him. The major difference between his car and Billo was the truck art. It fascinated the crowd so much that they voted for Billo. The excitement grew as the day progressed and more people arrived to take advantage of a sunny summer day. The votes continued to pile and soon there was no space on the board in front of number 13 so the remaining votes were recorded against number 12 which did not attend.
The announcement was made and (they got my name right this time.) I was asked to come receive the 1st prize which unlike last year, is a certificate and a gift card for $50 to spend at Wolfsburg West. I guess I can still order a few more parts from there. The first ferry with the cars left at 3.30 so we lined up and boarded, reaching the place we were staying in about an hour and a half. (in the morning it took about half that).
I took a lot of pictures with someone particular in mind..e.g Storm would appreciate the super clean 'thing'..Reezvaan would love the patina's and appreciate the bus pictures. etc etc. I had promised at the start of this season that you'll be with me in the passenger seat so I've tried to capture the same feeling of being there and attending the show in person when reading these posts. I have shot a small video too. I'll upload it on you tube and share a link as soon as my daughter finishes editing it.
Meanwhile enjoy the pictures.
