Well, I made it down to Pyeongtaek.  Barely.

As I was leaving my office for the drive I noticed something dripping underneath the front of my car.  I dipped my finger in the liquid and it was the color and consistency of transmission fluid.  Except it made no sense that it should be dripping from the front end. Maybe it was power steering fluid?

Well, I briefly considered nixing the trip until I could get it checked out.  But I had already loaded my work computer and monitors in the back seat.  So I figured I’d roll the dice.

I questioned my judgement thirty minutes into the drive when I noticed some unusual surges.  But I was on a packed expressway and had no idea where I’d go if I exited.  So I continued on.  Things seemed to settle down and I cruised along at 100 kph for most of the rest of the way.  As I entered Camp Humphreys there was some slippage, but I made it to the new headquarters building without further incident.

Off loaded the computer and figured I’d go to my Star Palace and drop off some stuff I’d carried down for the house.  And that’s when my car had had enough.  The tranny would barley engage, and my top speed was less than 20 kph and dropping fast.  I put the shift into low gear and was able to crawl out the main gate, turn left, and pull into a auto repair shop.

The owner spoke excellent English and advised me he could rebuild the transmission for “500”.  That’s about what my 1999 Hyundai is worth, but what are you going to do?  He said it might be ready for me tomorrow.  Hailed a cab and piled some of my shit in the trunk and back seat and guided him to my new place.  I was disappointed that when I announced “Star Palace” as my destination he didn’t have a clue.

Ah well.  More adventures to come I sure.