Biggie Mini
 One of the little games Marcela and I played this summer was trying to be the first to spot a Mini Cooper. You know, the cute little cars featured in The Italian Job. Well, those tiny suckers are immensely popular around Ramstein AFB. The further you get away from Ramstein, the fewer you see, but once you're on-base, it's almost hard not to see one.
So whenever we'd be over at Ramstein buying groceries or hitting the gym, there was always a few bursts of "MINI COOOPER!" simmering just beneath the surface waiting for one to come into view. Bonus points if it were an original Mini. In fact, there was an original parked in front of the BX for several days in a row that Marcela developed several elaborate scenarios for stealing -- or as she put it -- liberating. It was heartbreaking to see it gone before her plans ever bore fruit.
As I've said, though, you mainly seem them around Ramstein. When I've driven a considerable distance away, like on my trips to Switzerland or to Neuschwanstein, you rarely see any. Hell, even just thirty miles away in Baumholder you're hard pressed to find one. The cars are made by BMW, so you'd think more Germans would be into them. But no, it just seems to be an American/British thing. Seems like most Germans would rather drive a Peugeot than be seen in a Mini.
One Mini we never saw on our journeys this summer was a Mini XXL, though. If so, I'd have probably swerved off the road in shock. After seeing pictures of it, I don't know whether to be impressed or depressed. Elated or nauseated.
The article states it'll go on a tour of Europe after the Olympics. If they don't take it to Ramstein AFB, they're missing a golden opportunity. As it is, Ramstein is already a hotbed for Mini fetishists. Just imagine if they brought the grand daddy of all Minis there. The love unleashed would put San Francisco circa July 1967 to shame.
Don't fret, loyal reader: if it happens, I'll be there.
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