Originally Posted by fuenfer' date='Nov 18 2004, 08:42 AM

Last time I was in the bay area and rented a car, the guy at the counter started giving me a spiel about how driving in San Francisco was difficult, and told me to avoid the city if possible.? I busted out my New York State driver's license with my (then) Manhattan address on there and said, "I fought through Midtown Manhattan traffic yesterday just trying to get out of the city ... I think I'll do fine."? The rental agent's attitude changed immediately, and said, "well, in that case, sir, I'd just like to let you know that turn signals are not considered a sign of weakness in this area, and that we do slow down for pedestrians in the road."? ? Now that I've moved to Jersey, I only get comments about "Dirty Jerzey" and the Sopranos when I travel... *sigh*.

In any case, I just stumbled on this thread, and wanted to congratulate Iceman for his excellent trip to Hawaii.? I grew up in Honolulu, but left the islands over 12 years ago -- I guess I've lost my local accent, as when I go back now, people ask me where I'm from.? I love it when I answer "Manoa" and see the confused expressions.? It's always nice to go back, but I have to say, driving in Hawaii is awfully frustrating -- I don't know how I did it back then.? Is the speed limit on H1, at least near Honolulu, still 50 mph?? If you think people are left-lane bandits on the east coast, they're at least 10x worse in Hawaii ... most people seem to travel at 45-50 mph in the left lane -- try doing that on the Long Island Expressway or the Jersey turnpike when there's no traffic and you'll have cars literally flying past you at 75-85 mph.?

Anyway, I'm hoping to make a trip back to Honolulu sometime this coming spring.? Maybe I'll get to meet Alohalc myself!?

Originally Posted by alohalc' date='Nov 17 2004, 10:09 AM

[quote name='Iceman' date='Nov 16 2004, 06:00 PM']Funny thing happened today...
I decided to take a rental-car here in San Francisco to do some shopping but had no reservation, since there are so many... Anyways, when I showed up at the counter they told me they don't have any left... But then the girl behind the counter saw my two rings, and I was wearing Raiders stuff... Guess what... I've got a convertible with a real cheap rate, the cheapest they've had...

Originally Posted by alohalc' date='Nov 17 2004, 10:10 AM

[quote name='Iceman' date='Nov 16 2004, 06:03 PM']OK guys, that's it.
Leaving the States in an hour. Flying back into the cold snowy Germany.

Originally Posted by Iceman' date='Nov 18 2004, 10:56 AM

Yep. I know... I'm still there... when I close my eyes...
Ah, well... At least my car is working and looks good... Will check it tomorrow, just picked it up today in the dark...