Journal excerpt: Roman gladiators

9/18/08

The motorcycles are the new gladiators. At every red light, they move between and alongside the cars to the front of the line so that, when the light changes, they all leave at once in a big roaring pack.

People from all walks of life travel by "moto" and scooter: kids, business people (the women in high heels), some studious looking fellows in corduroy and tweed. It is understandable on the one hand—two-wheeled vehicles get twice as far in half the time—but I also think they must be a little bit suicidal. To drive in Roma at all is to engage in fierce (yet also pretty calm) battle, with lane markers and stop signs regarded as mere suggestions. Stop lights, though, are obeyed always, since running a yellow can cost you two points off your 24-point license, and the fines are hundreds of Euros.

We have been surprised by the lack of Italian motorcycles. Japanese bikes hugely outnumber them.

One amusing note: The Ducati Il Monstro that is sold in America is here offered as the Monster.

The cars here are distinctly different from those in America. Private SUVs and vans are very rare, and I have seen only one (smaller) pickup truck here. Also, as Chloe and I noted in England, the auto manufacturers offer different models in Europe, smaller and boxy and very cute. Smart cars are hugely popular, since they fit into the motorcycle parking spaces. It's entertaining to see them nosed up against the curb next to the Vespas and Yamahas.