Italian Transportation

We have had lots of fun conversations about Italian transportation while on this trip. We have seen many of the Smart Cars, and grown quite fond of them. Kristin personally wants a little convertible one to bring home, but doesn't think it will fit in her suitcase. There are tons of Vespas, or scooters around - especially in the cities. Motorbikes come with two, or three wheels, and can have plastic covers. And then there are the Alfa Romeos - which Jean is enjoying a ride in with our friend, Mimmo, in Taranto. Oh, and the giant vans! That is what we are seen in occasionally. When in Brindisi, we called it the Fun Bus! It was pretty obvious that we were tourists from another country - especially when they saw how full the van was with all our luggage!!!

Here in Italy, kids get a license to drive Vespas or scooters at the age of 14. They can get their driver's license for a car (or macchina) at age 18, and a license for a motorcycle at age 21.

Driving and parking in Italy is one of a kind. People pretty much abandon their cars close to their destination, but sometimes they park at an angle, on the curb, or even 2 or 3 lanes into the street. It is crazy! Not sure if any of us have a good picture of the parking in Bari, but it was a riot. When driving in Italy, signs are really just a mere suggestion. People will plow through stop signs, slow down at 4-way intersections, and there is really no "right of way". But instead of getting annoyed that it is your turn to go, people just take turns and eventually get where they need to. On the highways, there is a lot of horn beeping. This is not a bad thing, but really just a "ciao - I'm beside you, and am going to pass you". Then, the people who have been driving down the center of the highway, straddling the dotted line, move to the right and let the car or Fun Bus pass. At times, it looks like a symphony of cars swaying in the wind. Quite an fun and interesting adventure:)