A Little Rest Before the European Grand Tour

We're in Eindhoven, the Netherlands for several days to visit family and friends. While here I plan to have my MINI looked over at the local BMW/MINI dealer van Laarhoven (http://www.vanlaarhovenmini.nl/) to make sure that the car is ready to cover ground between here and as far south as Naples, Italy.

Visiting with family members and taking pictures with the car

MINI attracts an audience on a Dutch street (Video somehow came out with "mirror" effect)

I noticed during the last few days that the "Service Engine Soon" light has been flickering on and off. van Laarhoven took a look at the car and it turns out that a lambda o2 sensor has failed and will need replacement. Luckily a fairly quick fix but I'll have to wait until Thursday to have the work done. Piece of mind for the coming journey!

Closing Dinner In Amsterdam

Sunday, 24 June brought events to a close at MINI United. However, the MINI USA group had one last dinner together (aside from drinks at the Moevenpick Hotel bar afterward...) to close out a a wonderful event.

Jamie Oliver's (The Naked Chef) "Fifteen" www.fifteen.nl/ Restaurant was the dinner venue. It was a time to say goodbye to new friends, reflect on the weekend's events, and realize just how fast the three days had gone by. We were further treated to anecdotes about the 1967 Rally Monte Carlo from the MINI driver and overall event winner, Rauno Aaltonen.

Great event. Great people. What more could anyone ask for?

Rauno Aaltonen (left) with Jennifer and her brother Robert at the closing dinner at Jamie Oliver's "Fifteen".




One last hurrah at the Moevenpick Amsterdam Hotel bar with the great MINI owners, Motoringfile.com and Whiteroofradio.com folks, and MINI USA representatives.