TUNNELS, TOLLS AND HOW TO GET AROUND TOWN

There is one big relief - we don't need to buy a car immediately, thanks to an excellent system of public transport (buses stopping at our door step). The traffic in Genoa is probably no worse than any other big European city, but there are couple of special features, which I am very happy to observe from afar first.

When approaching Genoa (let's say from Milan) on the autostrada,  there is an impressive tunnel system to by-pass the city centre. For example, to get to Nervi, where we are, you need to follow the signs to Livorno (which is not at all obvious choice of a road when you look at the map), drive through several tunnels and then take the exit to Nervi. If you take the wrong exit, it may take a while to find your way back to the autostrada...a bit like in America.

The tunnels are very long  and oh boy, do people drive fast in them!

The tunnels are hundreds of meters long and in winter time the bit between exiting and entering the next tunnel can become slippery with ice, which is a real hazard and causes many accidents.

In May, I had to take a taxi once and we were whizzing through one of the tunnels, when I happened to glance the speed meter: 130km/h. I asked the taxi driver, what is the speed limit in these tunnels and he immediately slowed down to 100 km/h. The right answer is 90km/h, as several strategically placed traffic signs clearly indicated. However, be prepared to endure flashing lights from fellow drivers plus impatient attempts to overtake you, if you stick to that limit.

Every now and then along the autostrada (when entering and exiting the road) there is toll station, where you have to pay a fee for using the road.  There are different lanes for paying with coins, notes or with  telepass, which is kind of a reader and lets you pass and debits your account directly.

Using the toll roads is expensive. Old roads are often parallel to the autostrada  and it takes a lot longer to get to the desired destination if using them, however, the scenery is usually much more rewarding compared to the monotony of a motorway.

This is not the best possible picture of the massive number of scooters parked
in the streets of Genoa, but gives an idea anyway.

When in the city, it does not take long to realise, which tribe rules the roads. This is best to be observed on traffic lights: in front of all the cars, there are usually 10-15 scooters/vespas waiting for the green light. Girls in high heels, men in shorts and t-shirts or in suits,  grannies and grandads - everybody uses the scooter. These now come with all kinds of bells and whistles. It is clearly not a done thing to wear heavy leather gear to protect your body, a helmet is enough.

I have already resigned to the fact, that it will not take long before Daughter will spot one essential item, which no Italian teenager can be without...