Musings of a non-intrepid traveler.

Brad here. Something a little different from my last blog, I would like to share some thoughts and observations (and mainly probably have a whinge) from my limited travel around Europe.

First of all. And somewhat relevant to us, having hired a brand new Peugot 208 to drive around Europe. European drivers, not saying that Aussie drivers are perfect, have a few interesting habits. In case you ever end up driving here, there are a few things you should know about driving on the right hand side.

• Indicators are completely optional. In fact you're better off to not use them, that way you fit right in. They are not used with such consistency, that in years to come I am sure they will start producing cars without indicators.

• Round abouts. Other than obviously being on the right hand side of the road, there are a few crucial differences to be aware of. Basically you have 3 lanes to enter the roundabout but only one to exit. Europeans have an amazing ability to exit from any lane in the 3 lane round about, so keep your wits about you!

• See a friend on the side of the road who you wish to talk to? Its easy! Just pull over in the middle that one lane street and talk to them for as long as you wish (remember: don't use your indicator when doing this). This tactic is also useful if you need to pop into the supermarket for that essential dinner ingredient.

• Missed your exit on the highway? Don't fret! Simply reverse back to your exit and be on your way.

• Pedestrians beware. A zebra crossing, or even a green man do not mean you are safe to cross. In the first five minutes of driving in Paris, we stopped at a zebra crossing for a pedestrian and the guy behind us nearly blew his nut. How inconsiderate of us!

One of the positives is that the speed limits correspond with the quality of the road and its even better in a car that can do 130km an hour. I mean, don't get me wrong, the 4runner can get there but it would require a pretty stiff tail wind and a decent downhill straight.

Morning tea on Portugal Western Coast

Believe it or not, it is possible to cook real toasted cheese sandwiches on a trangia.

Now, Kath and I don't really enjoy visits to art galleries which is one of the many reasons that we are good together (Kath says, "Awww"). But on the odd occasion, usually when they're free, we have been known to duck in for a look. Most recently in Lisbon we visited the gallery of contemporary art. Now, I don't claim to understand or know art, but I am pretty sure the photo below is of three stacks of different types of bricks. I reckon Dad has a whole heap of different types of bricks out the back in Lara. Hang on, that gives me an idea. Dad, if you're reading this, don't throw out the bricks! I think I am onto something...(the years of hoarding may have finally paid off!)

Below is another interesting photo. This is what happens when you take a white female to a Flamenco show and feed her half a bottle of wine.



Kath attempting to dance Flamenco, Granada



I don't know how they do it, but Spanish people should be far more over weight than they are. For every beer you buy you receive free tapas, and the more beers you buy, the bigger and better the food gets. They could teach me a lesson in self control...

 

Now, I don't want to alarm people, and maybe I am just behind the 8 ball. Spanish people appear to speak with a lisp. (gracias= grathiath). So when we pronounce our 's' they must think WE have a speech impediment. What happens at the world speech therapists convention? Do the English and Spainish get into big arguments?!

 We're now sure Australia is in overdrive, with its 24 hour supermarkets and its all day restaurant kitchens. Siesta in Spain is from 12pm up to anywhere around 7pm. It seems a mystery to me how their economy stays alive. Until we visited Zaragoza where we could not find a place to eat from 5 pm - 8 pm. The whole lane of tapas bars was completely dead - on a Friday afternoon! We were confused. And hungry. That was until 8:15pm, when EVERYTHING was suddenly open and packed out until late.



Look at me, who knew I could sew



That's all for now...Until next time. Hasta Luego!