It’s a gas

Parioli, Rome

It seems that in this neighbourhood generous sized petrol stations are unnecessary, one can just fill up on the sidewalk. This pic is for you Big Oil.

While we are on the subject of cars, the carscape is rather more friendly than home. While there are heaps and heaps of motor bikes (and most of them very styley), two out of three cars seem to be small two door hatchbacks (like Echo’s but not). Occasionally I see a sedan, but I am assuming that these are corporate or diplomatic cars there is invariably a driver. The drivers, male, are extremely well dressed (indeed this is man in a nice fitting suit heaven!) and just stand around waiting for their passengers to appear from some very important engagement. Mostly I see them in the park so I guess the boss’s fitness has to be slotted in somewhere. I think their names are Massimo.

Which brings me to parking. This city must cost a fortune to upkeep (the rubbish collectors and street cleaners are about as common as the chauffeurs) and all things considered it is pristine. I am intrigued therefore that it costs E1 for one hour parking all across the central city. Last time I looked it cost me $4 on dirty old Cuba street.