Jumping in a bit late here...

Earliest VW awareness was lust I had for a squareback around 15years
old.  As a kid in California, all I wanted was to go surfing, the
squarebacks seemed ideal.

My first VW was a 1988 Fox, bought because it was a cheap, small wagon.
Not too many options for small wagons in this nation (I grew to
appreciate their usefulness during some time I spent living in Japan).
The fox was great, but eventually I wanted something more modern, (and
with power steering), so tried out a Volvo v40 for 2 years.  The volvo
was fantastic, but using it for camping was less than ideal.  So I
turned it in at the end of the lease, and after a year of research and
lurking on VW lists, I found a 1988 Westy this winter.  Flew down to CA
to pick it up, and have been having a blast since.

I'm 30, btw.

As for the motorcyle question, I cut my teeth on learning engine repair
with a 1972 Honda CT90 "trail 90", a small motorcyle meant for
hunting/camping/farmwork while also being street legal.  Its quirky and
lots of fun.  I've torn the engine down, and gained a lot of mechanical
knowledge working on it.  I foolishly thought this would prepare me for
VW work.  At least I have a few tools now.

I'm thinking of selling the bike, as fun as it is.  Its too tempting to
ride around on nice days, when I should be walking/bicycling.  Someday,
I'd like a more substantial motorcycle (the dual-sports still attract
me), but for now, the vanagon is keeping me and my wallet busy enough.