Mini You, Mini Me

I have always wanted to go to Wine Country. What on earth could excuse me from being to San Francisco three times already, and not making that hour drive to the Bacchanalian paradise of America?

The first time, Oli and I were here for just four days, and didn’t have time to make it everywhere we’d planned. Next time, we reasoned.

The second visit we were in Frisco for eight days, and skipped all the way to the tourist office to book our day trip around Napa & environs. Freak mudslides in the area had seen all trips cancelled, until further notice. Really, what were the odds?

The third time was again for four days, and four days in San Francisco are over, done, and finished at the drop of a hat. Didn’t quite make it.

But this time, I was with wine-head Sandy. Sonoma & Napa were on both our request lists, and so there was no excuse not to go.

Bright and early Monday morning, we rolled our asses out of bed to start the day. We got pretty, and then we got ourselves to the car rental place.

They were supposed to pick us up with the car but at the last minute, said they were too busy. Bastards.

In the spirit of letting bygones be bygones, we didn’t put up a fuss, and waited our turn behind the counter. I looked around at what was available, when a shiny something-something caught my eye. I grabbed Sandy’s hand, squashed to the heavens almighty, and started to wheeze.

Sandy: Are you okay?

Me: THEY HAVE A MINI IN THE PARKING LOT.

Sandy: Where?

Me: IN THE BACK.

Sandy: Oh yeah, I see it.

Me: OH MY GOD IT’S RED. OH MY GOD IT’S A RED CONVERTIBLE. CAN WE CAN WE CAN WE?

Sandy: I don’t know Cheech, that’s a popular car. I doubt it’s available.

Me: NO NO NO IT HAS TO BE OURS FOR THE DAY IT JUST HAS TO!

Twenty minutes, three prayers, a lot of wishful thinking and one signed rental slip later, Sandy and I were happily tucked into the chili coloured Mini convertible, and on our way to Sonoma. I’d printed out directions on Mapquest, and before long we were on the highway, more than ready to start our adventure.

Sandy: We’re in California, dude! We’re in a red Mini, and on our way to wine country! WINE COUNTRY! Top down?

Me: YES!

Roof goes down

Sandy: Wow. It’s really…

Me: Cold!

Roof goes back up

‘Twas a shame, but not in the grand scheme of things. We were still in California, we were still in a seriously awesome car, blaring tunes on the radio, and on the interstate. We were still super excited, and we still squealed when we turned onto the Golden Gate Bridge.

How touristy, though. But what a memory.