DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Alyssa At Pier 5
"I'm the chef here at the Pier 5 Hotel."
- The Ride
- The Driver: Alyssa
- Car in Question: 2008 Hyundai Sonata
- Spotted at: Pier 5 Hotel, 711 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Odometer: 95,313
- Car's Nickname: Efficient
THE DEFENSE
Q: How did you get your car?
A: I got this car in '08 after I was in an accident with my Stratus. I was on my way to class at BIC. There was a semi-truck and he wasn't really paying attention. When I was crossing over he side-swiped me and totaled my car! After that, I went out and got this brand new. I was waiting for graduation, so it was a gift to myself.
Q: How has it been treating you?
A: It's been great. I'm from Ohio, so it gets me back and forth quite often. That's why it's an '08 with 95,000 miles on it.
Q: Are you originally from Baltimore?
A: I'm not. I relocated here for my job. I also have some family here. My mom works for Hopkins, so it's convenient. I'm the chef here at the Pier 5 Hotel.
Q: Do you use your car mostly for work?
A: I do. When I can in the summertime, I love to ride a bike because I live down the street, but I don't get to do that too often. There are three properties and I'm going back and forth all day long. Even though I'd like to use public transportation or a bike, I have to use my car. I tend to have knives and things in there, but not today. It's been a little slow this week.
Q: What do you usually listen to when you drive around?
A: A little bit of everything, but my favorite is Jay-Z. We're big Jay-Z fans.
Q: What's the longest trip you've ever taken?
A: I wouldn't say favorite, but the longest trip was 12 hours to Ohio. In the wintertime it tends to take more time. When you also have a young child, it's even longer because you have to stop at every stop along the way. I think that's the longest trip I've taken in this car.
Q: Have you had any problems with the car?
A: There are some marks on it that are my fault, but the car itself runs great. I do feel a little bad for the next owners though. My kid gets carsick.
Q: What's going on with the handle on the rear door?
A: The handle on my back rear passenger door is missing because I was engaged and I broke it off. He was not pleased and he pulled off the handle. Now I don't have one. I tried to get it fixed and it was $200. I figured I'd save my $200 and just use the inside handles.
Q: That's terrible. At least it's a good story, right?
A: I think it's traumatic, but OK.
Photos and interview by Eldis Sula
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