One experience that every one should take advantage of is life in the city of Rome. 3 million people, 2 million cars and 1 million scooters all of which intermingle with pedestrians in and out of designated crosswalks. Pity the person who hesitates while attempting to cross the road and pity the person who drives a car and is looking for a parking spot. The Smart car and many other makes sold in Canada are typically sold in a mini version in Italy and the rest of Europe which enables them to find a space in front of a tree or on the cross hatch portion of an intersection or jammed between two cars with 6 inches clearance front and back.

Police? Three different kinds all armed to the teeth and very conscious of their uniform. Speeders? Don’t worry, the police drive just as crazily as the people they are supposed to protect. It’s called organized bedlam; six vehicles abreast and nobody appears to get seriously injured.

Pat Hampson