29th September 2012 - Passed the NCT test, but ...

Yeah, I am really annoyed with it!
I drove up to Drogheda this morning to get my car checked and the NCT (National Car Test) done (this is equivalent to the German TÜV). I emptied my boot and an elderly neighbour was so nice to help me with removing the tyre caps. Happily I made my way to Drogheda, only stopping in Balbriggan to get air for the tyres and a bit more petrol as I was running low.

I got a bit lost in the Business Park where the centre is held. I show a picture of the test centre here. A colleague said that this would be normal - somebody giving you directions somewhere and for whatever reasons a pub is involved (don't remember seeing it actuallay).

Drogheda NCT Centre - can be found on their website.

Once I actually arrived, it all went very quick. I watched my princess car getting poked and pulled, while other people got their test results. My heart sunk deeper when I heard things such as "leaking exhaust" and "too high emissions". I was praying my car didn't have any problems as the test fee is €55 and a re-test, under the circumstances they find anything - costs you another €22. Well, my car got through, no problems what so ever until ...

"There are no e-marks (something to do with an EU regulation) on your tyres, I can only find Japanese scribbeling on the them. You need to get them replaced (all of them!!!) within 30 days, re-test will be free of charge ..."

NEW TIRES!!! Just because my car is an import. Heavy hearted I went to the next car tyre dealer just around the corner and yes - because there are no e-marks on them, I needed them replaced as my current ones would be considered junk and would go for recycling immediately. I was a bit in a shock, especially as the payment for the college has kicked in. It cost me €200 for a set of four!!! I almost started crying.

Well, I am home now - with my passed NCT certificate, €200 lighter. Really annoyed, especially as I don't feel a difference. But at least they will keep me a while and I had the slight feeling that either the front or rear left tyre had a puncture. There was almost no air in the rear one before I drove to Drogheda. At least I was able to go Aldi for a change and got my shopping done. Now I am enjoying a late lunch while composing this post. I also had to wait after I got the tyres replaced as the NCT centre closes from 12:45pm to 1:35pm for lunch - I just missed them by five minutes!!! I had plans to go to Trinity College and go to the library but it was too late when I came home and now it's almost 4:00pm

I enjoyed my colleague's retirement party yesterday and got home quite late, it was almost midnight as the train was delayed.

I took a picture of the cake I organised for him through our staff canteen:

Blackforest Gateau - his favourite

And we went for drinks afterwards in "The Olde Punchbowl" pub in Booterstown.

The Olde Punchbowl, Booterstown, Co. Dublin

Now, I will spend some time with VB.net. I still have to download the application from Microsoft. Hope that doesn't take too long ...