Forgive the lack of talent, as I'm about to tell a story. Cliff's notes at the bottom.



I'm driving to New Orleans to meet my mom. She's an attorney, and attending the Louisiana Defense Council's annual meeting at the Windsor Court Hotel. This means a free night at a 5-star hotel, so why not join her ? On the way there, my sister turns to me and asks-

" I hope the valet guy can drive a stick "
" me too... i was just thinking that... I'm sure it'll be fine... "

I finally arrive in New Orleans... Suprised by his youth, I reluctantly take my key off the keyring, and give it to the valet... " Please take care of her.. I put a lot of hard work into this car " " Oh I will, dont worry."

We then go out for a few hours, go to a restaurant, and to Phantom of the Opera.... We come back to the hotel, and go to bed...

Morning comes along... and I go downstairs to get my car. After 30 minutes of sitting in the rain, the same young valet comes up to me and, not looking me in the eye, says...

" Sir, is there a trick to putting your car in gear ?"
"Nope. It'll stick sometimes, but it shouldn't be a problem."
him- "well, would you mind coming to check it out ? "

I take the stairs to the 3rd floor of the garage. I find my car, everything seems alright. I start the engine, put it in gear, and start to release the clutch to move forward." CRRAAAAAKKKKKK. " "Holy crap !" I call my mom, who comes downstairs and turns on "lawyer mode"... asking a bunch of questions, making arrangements etc. Car goes to Walker VW, where a group of extremely nice and helpful technicians diagnose the problem.

"Your front axle is shattered."
"what caused it ?"
" Dumping the clutch at 7000 rpm would do it easily. Looks like he's been racing your car."

So... i'll be displaced from my baby until wednesday or so. Until then, I'll be driving my old car which we still haven't sold. I'm almost looking forward to the ensuing lawsuit... ... no pun intended.

--------
Cliffs notes--- Valet screwed up my car while apparently joyriding. Never give your car to a valet.