Searching for a Camper Van

[glc]

The airport itself does not close, but the retail facilities do. You can certainly find a place in the airport to sit down and wait but finding food and drink is probably not possible inside the airport - unless one of the 24 hour newsstands has something.

[Lifemagician]

Received a reply from the concierge, which had been c.c. to the minute suites***. They sound exactly like what I am looking for. I recall using a similar service in Changi, back in 1994 and in Schiphol in 1997. Pricey, but by that time, ye just don't care. They have a wake up service, so no fear of missing the train. She also told me that there is a 24 hour food outlet in terminal C.

Since I arrive at terminal F, the minute suites are in A/B and the food is in C, I have asked if there is any assistance available to get from one to the other. No idea how far it will be, but by that time I will have been on the move for just on 36 hours. A bit of assistance will probably be required.

Lifey

** Minute Suites are:

Each suite is equipped with a daybed sofa that features two sleeping surfaces with fresh pillows and blankets. A sound-masking system in each suite neutralizes noise, and the unique NAP26Tm audio program helps deliver the equivalent of three hours of sleep in only 26 minutes! Each room has a high-definition television with access to DIRECTV, the Internet, and flight-tracking information.

More information here.

[Lifemagician]

The last mention in this thread regarding automobile insurance turned out not to be the end of the roller coaster ride. At the top of the last loop it derailed again. I chose not to mention it here until I actually have a policy in my hands (well, on the computer!).

AAA recommended Chartis. Here I found a company which asked many questions, emailed me many forms to fill in, and email back. Including a doctor's certificate. (None of this having to fit into a standard format. No dozens of little boxes to tick. And certainly no online quotes.) Each time I emailed or called, it was with the same person, who knew what she was talking about. Once she had all the information, she submitted it for approval. All along she assured me there would not be a problem. But my experience had raised my scepticism. Approval has now been granted. A mere 17 days before departure, I have the policy here on my computer.

Lifey
Heading for the Horizon

[Mark Sedenquist]

Lifey,

Thanks for sharing all of the resource information as you planned your trip. Some really interesting data herein. I especially like the Minute Suites at the airport. Very interesting concept. I hope you'll try the "NAP26Tm audio program" that claims to be able to deliver the equivalent of three hours of sleep in only 26 minutes!

For a couple of years there was a similar service at LAX -- but the trick was always to figure out a way to prevent prostitutes from using the rooms -- Single Person occupancy is now the rule!

Mark

[Lifemagician]

-- but the trick was always to figure out a way to prevent prostitutes from using the rooms -- Single Person occupancy is now the rule!

Not sure if things have changed, but back then, at Changi access was by flight ticket. No flight, no access.

Lifey

[Southwest Dave]

A mere 17 days before departure, I have the policy here on my computer.

What a journey !! Close thing, but you got there in the end.

Congratulations, good to see all your hard work finally paid off.

Dave.

[Lifemagician]

Hey Dave! Not there yet.

Each time I think I have reached the end, another destination pops up. I thought getting an extra (heavy duty) battery installed - to run the WAECO overnight - would be quite simple. Just like here, I planned to go to an auto electrician, who would no doubt do it in a few hours.

How wrong can you be. Firstly they don't have specialist auto electricians. There's not even a list of them in the Yellow Pages. And then, I'm told, they want the vehicle for a week!

Of course, what they haven't counted on is, with whom they are dealing. Once I have that vehicle, there ain't no one getting it for a week while I am in the States.

Thanks to the networking opportunities of this project, I now have five people, in different locations, looking for someone who can do that work for me.

No idea, what will be next. Meanwhile I am trying to cope with packing, making sure I have sufficient gifts for all the family, especially the grandchildren, friends and gonnabee friends.

Lifey
Heading for the Horizon

[Southwest Dave]

How wrong can you be. Firstly they don't have specialist auto electricians.

I think they do !! This bunch are about 45 miles from Doylestown.
I'm sure any Auto electrician would be capable of doing a relatively simple job like this in little time.

Perhaps looking for an RV specialist company and talking it through with them might be an option. Here's a random one I pulled out the hat.

Of course, what they haven't counted on is, with whom they are dealing.

Not only is thread a classic, you certainly are !! lol

If you think of an ideal area where having the work done would be best suited, [ie when visiting family, on arrival etc] and you don't have much luck, let me know and I will dig around.

Dave.

[Lifemagician]

Thanks Dave. You are a gem. But hey buddy, I don't expect you to spend all your spare time trawling through the internet on my behalf. What will that lovely lady of yours think.

I have spoken to both the salesman in Doylestown, as well as the manager of the service department at the Ford dealer, and both said they did not know of anyone, but would make enquiries. I do not doubt that they will, as both emailed for more details. The ideal would be to have it done whilst in Doylestown, as I will be there for at least four days, and have alternative transport for most of that time.

I will follow through those links. The initial enquiry was made with RV service people. But it seems it is a very busy time, and need lots of notice and / or time.

Thanks again.

Lifey

Edit: Dave, what a find! I have fired off an email. Am just too tired to stay up till after midnight, to call them. But I don't doubt that you found the ones who will do the job. Will let you know how it goes.

[Southwest Dave]

Well it's that "lovely Lady's" day off, so I'm outa here for now ! Before I go though, here is one more link for a bunch just 15 miles away.

Dave.