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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Getting There

Who likes VW Bugs?

Uruguay's President Jose Mujica arrives at a polling station in his Volkswagen beetle, to cast his vote in the general elections, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014. Mujica led Uruguay through economic prosperity and gained worldwide acclaim for social reforms such as the legalization of marijuana and gay marriage. His left-leaning Broad Front coalition leads in the election to replace him, but victory in the first round is far from certain. (Natacha Pisarenko / Associated Press)
Uruguay's President Jose Mujica arrives at a polling station in his Volkswagen beetle, to cast his vote in the general elections, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014. Mujica led Uruguay through economic prosperity and gained worldwide acclaim for social reforms such as the legalization of marijuana and gay marriage. His left-leaning Broad Front coalition leads in the election to replace him, but victory in the first round is far from certain. (Natacha Pisarenko / Associated Press)

A documentary coming this summer is all about the People's Car. The one designed by the Nazis. The one my mom drove around for the first ten years of my life.

The inimitable Bug.

It's called The Bug Movie and I can't wait, for multiple reasons. 

First, I think Volkswagen Beetles are just about the coolest, DIY car out there (if you can still find one to buy). Have a desire to learn how to fix a car? Start with a Bug. It's almost as easy to work on as a bicycle.

Second, I spent my formative years pulling the front seats forward to crawl in the back and sit on the springy, straw-filled bench. And that scent of a VW. I can smell it as I type. I have many memories of that car (nicknamed the Rotten Banana because my mom, who got the car when she graduated high school, decided to paint it yellow and brown). But the clearest memory came when we were driving down Athens Avenue in my hometown and flames started pouring out of the engine, from the trunk of the car. Thankfully, we were near a mechanic's shop (what are the chances?) and a handful of guys ran out with fire extinguishers. I, the self-preservationist, had already jumped out of the moving vehicle and was in no danger. My mom and brother, however, took their time. End of story: the flames were doused and we kept driving the Banana for years to come.

And lastly, Ewan McGregor's in the film. Have you seen Long Way Round? If so, isn't it awesome?! If not, DO IT!



Nicholas Deshais
Joined The Spokesman-Review in 2013. He is the urban issues reporter, covering transportation, housing, development and other issues affecting the city. He also writes the Getting There transportation column and The Dirt, a roundup of construction projects, new businesses and expansions. He previously covered Spokane City Hall.

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