ITALY: Driving in Sicily

I am the first one to admit that there are occasions where I can have parking challenges.

And I will also admit, in Sicily, my challenges went far beyond just parking.

The streets are narrow. 

Like REALLY NARROW!

Especially in the old historical centres.

Driving these narrow streets makes my stomach sick. 

Even as a passenger.

Not to mention that just walking down these narrow streets you never know when a car, motorcycle, moped or bicycle will come barreling down the narrow alley. 

The rules are "There Are No Rules". 

 

I am baffled as to why they think that narrow streets, pedestrians, mopeds, motorcycles and cars can all mix amiably together.

 

 

A "wide" street, with parking on both sides.

This gives me confidence. NOT!

 

 

 

I think Google maps is wonderful. But, in Sicily we seemed to occasionally wander astray and end up in tight spots. Which really is not good for a peaceful and amiable marriage. 

Many drivers have obviously had problems with this tight turn.

This would be why the Fiat 500 is so popular in Sicily.

 

 

 

We rented a Peugeot 3008. By north American standards, that is not a big car. But in Sicily it was HUGE!

We reserved a parking space in Ortigia, sight unseen, to guaranty us a spot. 

 

 

LOL

This was the ramp down. The photograph does not capture the experience of driving down with no way to see beyond the hood of the car.  

This was coming up that ramp and out the door. Immediately followed by 3 sharp and narrow turns.

My stomach can not handle this. Even as a passenger. To save our marriage I stayed above ground and waited around the corner. It worked much better that way for everyone.

John is the Parking and Driving God. 

I am deeply grateful that he has patience for not only my lack of parking expertise but also for my inability to provide assistance in the tight spots. 

He has also learned to have patience for my sheer fear of the tight situations. 

(I jump, squirm, grab and pound the armrest, hyperventilate, and most embarrassingly, I whimper. It is not pretty.)

I have respect and admiration for his driving skills. I could not stomach it. 

Thank you for getting us "there and back" "safe and sound".