Italy
Italy started well, with yet another ‘interesting’ road.
Then the fun really started. Now, for some bizarre reason I really
like Italy, I’ve visited it several times in the past, the architecture,
climate, food, and people all make it a fantastic place, however I hadn’t
driven there much before. Despite their reputation Italian drivers aren’t
particularly bad, some may be a bit enthusiastic on the overtaking manoeuvres,
but not the worst.
What really did my head in was navigating. Italian road sign are the worst in
Europe, no question. If the sign is present, it could be on the left or right
of the road or frequently after the junction. If it’s actually there at
all it’ll probably be behind a tree or other obstruction. Once spotted,
there’s still a very good chance that the name will be so abbreviated
that it’s not recognizable.
If you have managed to find a road sign, decode it and had time to take appropriate
action, the final little thing they throw at you is the distinct possibility
that it’s pointing the wrong way. Oh it was fun, and don’t forget
once you’ve managed one junction, another comes along and the whole thing
is repeated. AAARRRGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
In comparison the road markings were quite good, as this 10-mile stretch of
motorway shows.I have to admit I got so annoyed with missing turnings, I ended
up jumping on an auto route, and heading down to Brindisi, where I got an open
return ticket to Greece for €110 and got out of there.