South good, north bad..mom is doing better.

While the world shakes its head at North Korea for doing the nuke thing I thought I'd give kudos to their neighbours, South Korea. On my last 2 road trips I rented an economy size car, to save fuel and as it was only me travelling, so why get the big car? Both times I was given a Korean made car. I was hesitant as there is a stigma about Korean cars and their quality. I can assure you that both KIA and Hyundai have learned very quickly how to make a car I could live with. The nod has to go to Hyundai as the better of the two.
I was amazed at the pep of both these cars even with an automatic transmission. I felt like I was in a Honda but for several grand less. Well done South Korea! I had the Hyundai Elantra which had adequate leg room for my 6'3" frame and it would easily go well above the speed limit if asked and still give great mileage. By well above the speed limit I mean...don't ask. I was on back roads and doing fine. Fuel is one of the biggest expenses of any traveling entertainer and getting it at a good clip is even better.
Comics do a LOT of driving as often the shows are in towns that have no regular air service. As such buying a new car, taking the deprication hit (on top of running up double or triple the kilometers of the average driver) makes little sense. I know, I have been that route before. The draw back of any car is their value depriciates and Korean cars do so much quicker than their Japanese or American equvialants especially if you buy one brand new. This works out perfect for guys like me. I can pick up a car that has come off a short lease, has low kilometers on it, and for cheap. Then I can do my usual 3 years of burning it up and throwing it away. I think I may have to look around for one of these Korean rockets but in a 5 speed. Automatics bore the hell out of me.

I flew out to see mom and dad (and my sis) for a few days. Mom is doing better despite the fact they are not totally sure what she has. It is a rare form of cancer but turns out it is not a very aggressive one and they feel they can treat it with success. Lets all hope. Thanks for all the emails from those concerned. Your thoughts and well wishes are appreciated.

The weather here is great and a big family dinner is tonight. It is nice to see them all especially at this busy time of year. I plan on being back here right after Christmas. Where is here? Those that need to know, do. The rest of you just hum along.
Mom says hi!

Daryl Makk