Sometimes I find myself in the most amazing of scenarios. Yesterday was one of those days. I somehow found myself invited to the Mercedes-Benz Fascination Tour. I got the invitation several weeks ago and had no idea what it was for or how they even got my information but when Mercedes-Benz invites you to anything – you go.
I wouldn’t call myself a petrol head but I do really enjoy cars. I drive a relatively new one and while it’s not top of the line, it’s certainly a nice car. My friends also think I’m strange because I trade them in every two or three years. I don’t mind carrying a car payment and I hate driving around something that doesn’t have a warranty. And – new car smell, I mean come on!
I had no idea what to expect when I got down there so I was a bit nervous.
I pulled into the lot in my reasonably priced car* and parked among the Porsche, Lexus and BMW’s feeling a bit out of my league. And that never happens.
I arrived to find a tent…
Inside was a lovely furnished area with couches and pillows and food!
That’s when I noticed the track set up and the cars parked on the other side. Wait. I get to drive these things? Oh no-no, this is a terrible idea. Who invited me to this?
Somewhat reluctantly I walked over. The man who seemed to be in charge came over and told me what was going on. He said I get to drive any/all of the vehicles around the track. Just don’t ruin them. I said ok but there was one problem — I can’t drive a standard, which I assumed most were. As luck would have it, they’re like most cars these days with the automatic transmission (with manual options). So that was a bit of a relief.
That was soon gone though when my first car pulled up.
I’m wearing glasses so you can’t see the terror behind my eyes.
Pretty eh? Yah she’s worth a little more than what I make in a year. I got shown all the gadgets and fun things inside and how to start it. My car still requires an actual key. These don’t. And it was off I went. I was shaking so bad! I was so nervous!
Once around the track though and I was hooked. And then I just pretended I was on Top Gear!
The cars were just beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and getting to see the amazing details and designs.
This one was my favourite though.
If I start saving my pennies now – I might be able to drive one when I’m 100.
A girl can hope, right?!
All that driving and excitement made for a hungry person so I dipped into the tent for some snacks. They too – were amazing. I was particularly impressed by the mini beef Wellington’s. And the Panna cotta spoons were tooooo die for. I may have had a few. Shh.
I’m so lucky that I got to have such a great experience. I hope that Mercedes-Benz invites me back next year!
I wish I had taken more/better photos but A. there were othere people waiting to also drive the cars and I didn’t want to take up their time either… you know be that girl. And B. the sun kept reflecting off the cars, blinding me, so half the time I didn’t know if I got a shot or not. I got more than my fair share of out of focus, crappy shots 😦 .
And on that bombshell – goodnight.
The Life of Crashley 
