Driving in Italy

["REUBEN ERICKSON" <HEYRUBE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I was pleased to hear Michael Magnotta talk about how he enjoyed his trip
to Italy. Brings back happy memories. Was there in 87 for the Mille Miglia
and actually drove most of the course in a two liter Alfa with a blown
muffler. Guess you can't get away with that anymore and I can see why. I
almost had a collision with a D-Jag when I pulled out without looking, a
typical American trick. I'd still be paying... I was also there in 89.

I noted Michael's comment that for all their viva in driving Italians don't
seem to have many accidents. In my opinion, that's because the Italians a
very good drivers. Better than Americans and I don't think the contest is
even close. In spite of all the driving with brie, elan, viva ( you get
what I mean) they are really very disciplined and they drive for fun and
are not nasty about it. Americans, in contrast, are mean spirited about
their approach to driving, to the point where they (we) will risk a wreck
or death rather than give up right-of-way or to prove our point. An Italian
does not have this mind state. 

For instance, behind a truck on a two way road that might be just wide
enough for three cars abreast, and a car is oncoming. It took me one day to
learn that it was OK to pass. The truck will pull over a bit as will the
oncoming car and all is fine, not even a clenched fist arm out the window.
Maybe a finger wag from now and then..the no-no finger wag is a marvelous
part of the Italian culture. 

Thanks Michael.   Rube Erickson

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End of alfa-digest V7 #98
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