Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site aplvax.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!floyd!harpo!seismo!rlgvax!cvl!umcp-cs!aplvax!eric From: eric@aplvax.UUCP Newsgroups: net.travel Subject: Re: motoring in Europe Message-ID: <528@aplvax.UUCP> Date: Wed, 29-Feb-84 09:05:17 EST Article-I.D.: aplvax.528 Posted: Wed Feb 29 09:05:17 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 2-Mar-84 13:38:34 EST References: <5859@decwrl.UUCP> <817@ihuxi.UUCP> Organization: JHU/Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD Lines: 32 Motorists in Europe take their driving very seriously, and expect other drivers to do so also. The major roads are just like American highways, and if you stay in the right lane they will not particularly bother you. Cities are another matter. I had no trouble in Germany or Switzerland (other than finding parking), but watch out for Paris - be sure you have a good idea of where you are going, and be alert. European countries view driving as a priviledge, and not a right, and consequently the drivers tend to pay attention to what they are doing, fearing permanent loss of license if they screw up. This means you almost never see someone trying to put makeup on while driving, or combing their hair, or any of the thousands of other things that American drivers seem to think they can do while driving. (Sorry about that, touched a sore nerve). Anyway, driving offers you a much better chance to see the countryside, and can save you money. By driving, you can stay in the little towns on the outskirts of the large cities and get better lodging for less. It also makes trips much more relaxing, you can do what you want, when you want to. I have traveled Europe both ways, and much prefer the car. The train system is good, and is recommended if you have a long haul to make (say over the Alps, or Munich to Paris) in a short time, and can save you a nights lodging (just sleep on the train). To wrap this up, I found European driving to be very natural, and enjoyable. The only problem is a little culture shock - not over there, but when you come back and try to drive like you did in Europe. -- eric ...!seismo!umcp-cs!aplvax!eric