What a fantastic week we have just had while taking part in the Saab International in Belgium.
Biggest of thanks must go to Nicolas, Ellen and the rest of the team who worked so hard to put together a great show for Saabists everywhere.
This was the first time that I had taken part in the whole event which included the “Pre-Tours”. It was a great idea to have three tours taking place all at the same time and the start depended on where you joined the country. For Azzy and me it was in the west and we met up with Saab enthusiasts that we knew and many other we were going to get to know, just outside Nicolas and Ellens own town.
Tuesday night started by putting up our tent up in the garden then getting ready to go for a meal and bowling. A truly brilliant night followed where we had to cook our own dinner on a hot plate before trying two games of 10 pin bowling.
Wednesday saw a drive to the Mahymobiles Car Museum in Leuze-en-Hainaut then dinner at Trolls and Bush, where we had to do a bit of beer tasting too.
Thursday saw us drive in convoy to The Atomium in Brussels where we met up with the other two tours and then after a bite to eat a drive to The AutoWorld Museum which is part of the Mahy family’s collection of over 1000 cars.
At 3.30 another convoy was arranged and off to Spa Francorchamps for a drive around the famous racing circuit.
Friday saw some of us heading for the chocolate factory called “Jacques” in Eupen. another place to visit was Nessonvaux which sadly I missed.
On Saturday there was anouther tour organised which took in the “Musée du Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps which is located at The Abbaye de Stavelot.
Back in Spa the Saab party had started and over the next two days lots of chat took place around the centre of Spa,
Nicolas and Ellen are going to write a full report which will include the results of the beauty contest but in the mean time please feel free to take a look at a few pictures that Azzy and I took over the week.
Most IntSaab2012 related Saab photos are here but I have also added a few to the highligted words above relating to the events we visited.
great photos
This was the first international for me and a lot of other firsts too! First time to take a car abroad, first time to holiday by camping, first time to live a few days in a tent ( grateful thanks to Robin for the loan of the tent)! First time to cross the English channel by both ferry and Eurotunnel, so many new experiences to take in. To say it was a fantastic event is a total understatement. The highlights just did not stop coming! I have to echo Robin,s thanks to Nicolas & Ellen also the rest of the organisers who put on a truly fantastic event. I managed to meet lots of new friends in a very welcoming friendly country. Saw some great cars, visited some fantastic museums, a superb chocolate factory, ( far too much spent in the factory shop)!, ate great food and had fabulous weather. For me the ultimate highlight was to be able to take my car around Francorchamps race circuit. This was an experience I will never forget! After my first session of three laps with David Dallimore as co pilot I was then given a second opportunity to do another session of three laps, and so with a quick swap of helmets my new co pilot was RobinM. When they say this is the most beautiful racetrack in the world I now know what they mean. To sum up, this was a most wonderful event, held in a beautiful country, with very friendly hosts. I have come away from Belgium wanting to live there, that is the impact it had on me. Thank you so much to everyone that made this such a memorable event for me. I sincerely hope the UK event next year can be as successful. Well done all.
Wonderful photos, Robin! I felt like I was there…
Thank you for your photos, Robin. We traveled during 10 countries for more than 5500 km, and yesterday finally returned home. It was our first IntSaab – and all we are so impressed. Looking forward for IntSaab 2013!!!
That is a very long drive. It was great to meet you in Spa and I look forward to seeing you again in England next year.
Thanks, Robin, for these nice pictures and the story.
For me it also was the first IntSaab meeting I attended and I must say that I am going to be addicted.
What an atmosphere, what an organization.
Look forward to go to the next one in the UK.
I echo what Martin said. It was also my first International and first drive abroad. It was an absoultely terrific weekend. Thanks to all!