Ten days later, and I'm still wrangling with the dealership. The car's engine threw a rod, and they would very much like not to have to cover it under warranty, for various arbitrary reasons. The dealership may still be willing to work on this, but I'm ready to invoke magical intercession.

Meanwhile, it's hard to get anywhere in this town without a car. It helps to imagine I'm an invincible legion on the march, alternately worshipped and feared by all who see me. It also helps to have a supply of crunchy snickers bars in my bag for snacks along the way.

Plus, it's often faster walking than trying to take the bus, around here (45 minutes by foot, 2 hours by bus...). I blame an inferior road system.

Grumble. Mumble.