½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Good post Randy. The thing that most of us have to remember in Italy and driving, is that you have to have eyes in the back of your head, as well as the front.In my 4 years of driving in Saudi Arabia, I had to have eyes on all 4 sides, so Italy is a doddle after 10 years living here. I have also driven in France, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Austria, Greece, Turkey, Mauritius, Thailand, Malaysia, and of course the UK.Vehicles have limitations, as do the drivers. Push either of them too far and you have the accident scenario. In many ways, I have been lucky, as having driven in road rallies, then I can pretty much anticipate what is likely to happen, but I do not condone or give way to idiots.Yes, the ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs are pushy, but that does not mean you have to let them get in front, as it is quite easy to outdrive them, even at my age. In fact I love the challenge. Just wish had bought the Supra2 Turbo before coming here, but looked at the roads and they were so poor, it was like driving in Cambodia or Vietnam. 

There was nothing impolite in the answer that I gave to your comment, apart from the fact that I disagreed with taking the ½ûÂþÌìÌà driving exam. I posted what I thought and after driving for nearly 50 years in many countries then it was a fair comment.Please tell me where it was not polite!!  

It was not a personal insult, just a reply to the comment that we should all take ½ûÂþÌìÌà driving exams, just to read road signs etc.

With the remark that everyone should take a driving exam in Italy, is rather ridiculous. The road signs are very similar to most EU countries, with very few exceptions. Probably most driving exams in many EU countries are more stringent as well.I suppose the advantage of taking the ½ûÂþÌìÌà test is that you can learn how to drive badly.Example today, car in front travelling at 70kph on main road, as soon as tried to overtake on the regulation speed limit, (90kph) on the dotted line,, it decided to accelerate to try and stop me passing.I had to get to 120-140 to complete a safe manouvre. Poor fellow, loss of face, even though he tried to keep up. 

Found this lovely explanation of ½ûÂþÌìÌà driving. It is quite amuzing and pretty well spot on!!!!http://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A412859/conversation/view/F50960/T95795

Never mind Modi, just keep the rose tinted glasses on.According to you, it is a offence to close up to a vehicle in front, but that is a normal ½ûÂþÌìÌà trait. Therefore if I do the same I am driving dangerously, if I do not let the imbecile who is trying to get to his pranzo at the time nonna has said.These are examples of great ½ûÂþÌìÌà driving that we have experienced.Twice trying to be overtaken when turning left, this was after there being a corner prior to the turning I was taking.Hit by a APE when parked correctly, (not ½ûÂþÌìÌà style ass out). Ape got away as quick as it could before we could get the targa.Hit while parked outside the doctor surgery, even though it was a wide side road. Woman driver hit front offside bumper which had been re-sprayed  2 days previously. Excuse was my phone rang.        Offered 100Euro to repair the damage.Going along a 90kph road, another woman just came out of another main road at a give way junction, approx 20 mtrs in front. 2 options driving 2.8 tonnes, hit her or as luck would have it no other traffic coming the other way. She did acknowledge she was sorry, but she could have been another statistic.Bumpers scrapped so many times in car parks, that you may as well have a contract with the bodyshop for the repaint.Seriously considering a on board camera to record these nutters.  

½ûÂþÌìÌÃs are not good drivers, whatever you say Modicasa.They are the worst I have ever seen and I have driven in many countries. Why would they try to overtake a car that is turning left, with its indicators on and then start gesticulating. They are pushy when overtaking and think they have the right to just push in front of you, even if you are in a row of traffic. Luckily, having a very large powerful vehicle, then I just close up to the one in front, so they have 2 options, stay out and there may be another bunch of flowers on the roadside, or pull back.A mirror in Italy is only for making sure your hairstyle is okay, a mobile phone call is never to be ignored and a indicator is something you turn on after you brake and turn into a corner .........The French are far better, as at least they do not hog the fast lane when something is coming up on them at 150 mph they move out the way. 

Well, if you prefer to take out a second mortgage to pay the bills, then your decision. Electricity can be and is very expensive in Italy.There are a number of special rates for "Eco" friendly systems, for which yours would not be included, so think very carefully about it before you decide. 

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