07-10-2006, 07:07 AM
|
|
Enthusiast
|
|
Real Name: Jim
Hybrids: Toyota Camry Hybrid
Posts: 40
|
|
Valet Parking
This is a rather humorous story but with a point.
Last weekend my wife and I visited a seafood restaurant in Port Chester, NY. When we arrived I found that they only had valet parking. I left the car with one of the attendants (there were two) and explained that there is no key but just the fob and how he can start the car. Since he understood very little English I was pleased that was able to understand, or so he indicated.
Upon our leaving the restaurant I handed my claim ticket to the other attendant and he went and got my car. Now mind you, he also spoke no English. I saw him disappear and shortly saw the lights of my car come on. After waiting a few minutes I realized that he was not able to start the car so I walked over to him and also tried to explain that he must put his foot on the brake pedal and push the ON button. I finally got through to him and he started the car and he brought it out so that my wife and I could leave.
Now the funny part starts. After driving off I realized that all of the NAV functions were set to Spanish. He must have seen the disclaimer screen on the NAV and there are options for French, Spanish and English and he must have selected the Spanish, which was the language he spoke, and accepted the disclaimer hoping that he would get instructions how to start the car.
I was rather amused at all of this but it does point out that there are people who have no idea how to operate the key-less ignition and the matter is compounded when they don’t speak or understand English.
|