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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