43rd 356 International

[John Clarke]

Sounds awful ! JIMHO Overpriced and snobby. All that fine dining with People showing off. Just give me a burger at a drive in.
Like to talk to real enthusiasts. Don the flack jacket! Had a taste of it some years ago at Brighton. Give me the Classic Le Man any time.
Jay

[Jim Liberty]

Well John, I disagree about the snobby part. I've been to many, and the European gang is just as down to earth as we are. Those guys have certainly stepped in for me whenever I needed help. And always without asking.
.................................................Jim.

[Craig Richter]

+1

[Mike Ruddy]

A 900 year old castle, jousting, archery, falconry and medieval combat, the De Veres and Queen Elizabeth (doffs cap), an Imperial war Museum and the home of the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury (pauses for breath) some Jacobean craftsmanship, a Spitfire, a Concord.... and Dinner, drinks and speeches.

Just a perfectly normal weekend for many 356 owners here in the UK.

[Bob Forman]

While attending the Strasbourg and Brussels events, even through my thick skull, it was apparent that many of our Euro brothers and sisters can be described as "continental" when compared to us Yankees. In short, those from the continent and UK have a certain confidence and savoir faire when in social situations where not everyone shares the same language nor the same culture. It's nothing superior to those from the US, it's just that many of us don't have that type of interaction as a common experience. At the gala dinner in Brussels I sat with four Catalans, two French, two Russians and two Italians. Only one of the Russians spoke English. Even without a common means of communication we managed. So "snobby?" No. Just a bit more worldly than many (not all) of us in the living between the two big seas. However, I can mention that it is very difficult to find a proper dry martini over there.

[Jim Liberty]

Right on Bob. But whisky is Scotch. What could be better. .............Jim.

[Vincent Gillespie]

Ladies & Gentlemen please, it has to be Whiskey.
V&S
(Macallan will pass........... in extremis)

[John Hearn]

+1 on Whiskey.......
KTF
John

[Ashley James]

I don’t think us Brits/Europeans are as approachable or friendly as Americans or that a raft of entertainments are necessarily the best way to enjoy these events.

The greatest pleasure is meeting and making friends, so sharing hotels and meals and having free days where only suggestions of places to visit so that members can team up to do them can work well. Wives are quite a bonus too because they’re better socialisers.

Regardless, my house is well equipped and welcome to US members visiting the UK and interested in the Cotswolds.

[Jim Liberty]

Seen Ashley is typical of the wonderful people across the pond. My cousin and his wife Cecilia will be at the International event in England. Say hi to them for me. Black C Coupe from Germany. ....................Jim.

[Craig Richter]

Jim, you didn't tell me Roland and Cecilia were going. We may have to redo our plans. Such delightful people.

Ashley's description of a difference between Euro and American folks is right on. Sometimes we get the reputation as being a little loud and casual, but that's only because we meet and greet easily, and like to chat and have fun, especially when a few beers are involved. But Europeans warm up quickly to honest friendliness, and of course the shared 356 interest is a great ice breaker!

[Hendrik Moulds]

I will be there in my prea cabriolet so come and say hi if you're going, I 'm just as likely to be in the bar too.
I have been to 10 or 11 of these and admit that some are better than others but have found most participants to be friendly (there are always exceptions). The Portuguese one was a recent highlight and I remember having fun on the French International when we went a little "off piste".

[Bob Forman]

Hendrick, you couldn't be referring to this little side trip through the Alsatian vineyards while playing follow-the-leader?????

[Hendrik Moulds]

Might be Bob, Benjamin got into trouble for this (he was Porsche's club officer at the time and the guy in the red jacket).
Doing stuff like this though is what makes it exciting for me even if it doesn't happen every meeting.

[James Davies]

That looks like the table I'd pick to join Hendrik! =D