Re: alfa-digest V7 #910

[Pottree@domain.elided]

In a message dated 7/27/99 9:01:50 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:

<< So, Jorge, I think Italians are just as crazy about Alfa's as the rest of
 us, they just don't advertise the fact. It's interesting to see the lack of
 Italian subscribers to the digest, but this is probably more to do with the
 English language than anything else (you'll notice the Dutch are regulars,
 where English is often spoken) It is also about the domestic/commercial
 availability of internet access is guess.
 
 It is quite understandable though, to be disappointed that the streets are
 not littered with old Alfa's. Never mind.......have another Campari!
 
 Ciao,
 
 Ian >>


Many good points, Ian...

I've recently returned from a visit in Italy, and found:

Nearly everyone speaks English, and most speak well, at least by American 
standards (e.g., enough to get by on the basic 2200 words)...

There is some kind of tax reason why older cars are not economic there...

In the center of major cities it is difficult or impossible to keep and use a 
car, but in other areas people operate and maintain private cars, even wash 
them, and there are services such as body shops...

There is a lot of interest in collector and historic cars, especially in the 
northern, car-producing areas around Torino, Milano, Brescia, and Modena; the 
Mille Miglia seems to be a national holiday.

The only people who drive "like maniacs" as Italian drivers are unfairly 
described, seem to prefer black large-size and new Mercedes Benz.

Charlie
LA, CA, USA

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