An unexpected twist on our romantic Valentine's getaway… to Malta. Read on in today's story column.
c’est le monde à l’envers
: the world's gone crazy (or: it's an upside-down world)
Audio File: click the following links to hear today's word and definition Download MP3 or Wav
L'expression "c'est le monde à l'envers" c'est quand les choses sont dans le contraire de ce qu’on attend.
(from Wikipedia) The expression c'est le monde à l'envers means that things are different than expected.
Mas la Monaque - Rent this beautifully restored 17-century farmhouse. Click here for more pictures.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
One of the pluses of living near Marseilles is the city's proximity to so many lively destinations. My husband is the travel bug in our family and he can't help but be tempted by the discount air carriers and their latest offres. When Jean-Marc noticed a round-trip ticket to Malta for only 70 euros–he quickly located a room at 60 euros per night and a car at 100 euros for 3 days…. and so found the perfect Valentines surprise for his chérie!
In the blink of an eye we had touched down at Malta international airport on La Fête des Amoureux. I didn't realize we would be arriving after midnight, but then there were a lot of things I was unprepared for–like the fact that the Maltese drive on the opposite side of the road!!
Jean-Marc and I were standing in the dimly lit rental car lot when this disturbing detail revealed itself to us:
"The key doesn't work!" my valentine said, trying in vain to locate the lock.
"Here. Give that to me," I said, reaching for la clé. It was four hours past my bed time and I was anxious to get out of this dark and vacant car lot and get to our hotel. Grabbing the key, I began to thumb-punch it, trying to automatically unlock the car. Meantime, Jean-Marc had walked around to the other side, looking for a keyhole.
"Ha! The driving wheel is on the right!" Jean-Marc announced, more amused than concerned.
Well that's odd, I thought. Why would they give us a car like that?
"You need to go back to the rental desk and get another version," I told my husband, trying to decide if I should go with him or wait alone in this spooky car park.
"Chérie, there won't be another 'version.' Visiblement, the Maltese drive like the English–on the left side of the road!"
Reality hit me like an arrow in the gut. Cupid's aim was waaaay off, and with it all the kissy-kissy-goo-goo feelings my husband had bargained for along with this bargain vacation! But bargaining with our lives was NOT sexy.
"We can't drive like this!" I stamped my foot.
"Well, we don't have the choice!" Jean-Marc's tone was firm. The amusement my husband experienced a moment ago had waned. Sensing I was going to dig my feet in, Jean-Marc told me to get in the car. "Everything's going to be okay. I'll drive!"
My heart seized up as Jean-Marc grinded the gears into first. He was completely disoriented and we hadn't even left the parking lot. Oh God, we were doomed! My mind began jumping to its colorful conclusions and I could queerly appreciate the romantic ending our couple had come to… as we RIP'd together on the Mediterranean island of Malta. It sure beat a collision on the 1-10 in Apache Junction or Phoenix!
"Good thing the accelerator and the brakes aren't reversed!" Jean-Marc chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. But his joke only caused me more distress. At this point that wasn't so hard to imagine!
"Stay on the left! ON THE LEFT!" I screeched as we entered the first roundabout. Just as expected, I watched my husband's reflexes kick in. He had wanted to go right! Yes, however slightly, he had edged over to right! No matter how he denied it. I saw it with my own bulging eyes!
Jean-Marc tried distraction. "Look for the signs to Mellieha," he said. But all I could see were cars racing past us in the roundabout. How strange to see cars going clockwise! The trick would be to fight our reflexes–and remember to do everything opposite! But it was so easy to get confused–especially in a foreign land, after 1 a.m. in the morning!
I couldn't help but evacuate the stress at every frightening turn–ever struggling to remember whether to first look left or right for oncoming traffic. I found it helpful to remember the giant lettering written across the streets of London. "LOOK LEFT". The avertissements are designed to prevent visitors (from countries that drive on the right) from being crushed by oncoming vehicles!
"Left! Stay left!" My orders were punctuated by a series of short breaths, the kind the nurses demanded when I went through labor for each of my children.
Worried I might hyperventilate, Jean-Marc put me to work. "Here! Read these notes!" he ordered, handing over the map to our hotel.
"Keep your eyes on the road," I scolded. "If you need to reach for a paper–ask me. I'll do it!"
"We should be there in twenty minutes. Don't worry!" Jean-Marc said, trying to calmer le jeu, or ease tensions.
Worrisome now were the directions. The names of the Maltese roads were obviously foreign–with a lot of tricks–or "Triqs" thrown in.
Triq, it seemed, was the name for street–the word being mention over and over again.
"Read me the name of the street," Jean-Marc said, swerving to avoid a car that had just entered our roundabout from the left. Whoa!
"I can't (puff! puff! puff!)." How could I read him the name of the streets, when I could hardly breathe?
What's more, the streets had funny foreign characters (an "H" was double barred through the center). It wasn't pronunciation that concerned me, it was the way all the lines began to run together: I could not keep my eyes on both the directions and the road at the same time.
Jean-Marc tried in vain to remind me that HE was the driver and I could keep my eyes on the directions (and off the road) but this was an impossibility. The only way to feel safe was by exercising the small amount of control still in my power: by keeping an extra set of eyes on the road we would reduce our chances of collision!
Jean-Marc gave up and reached for his Smartphone.
"You mean you had a GPS this whole time and didn't want to use it!!!" I guessed connection fees went contrary to our budget vacation!
Speaking of contrary, we were now back on track even if that track was still reversed. Now with the GPS, I could concentrate on hyperventilating and all the intermittant screeching. "I can't help it!" I said to Jean-Marc, who–guided by my OHMYGOD gurglings–managed to veer away once again from oncoming traffic. (Adding to stress were all those SPEED KILLS signs, which dotted the road before many a hairpin turn. That's when an additional threat came to mind: we were driving in party hour traffic, after midnight! Hopefully the Maltese would remember which side of the road they usually drove on!)
All the shrieks and heavy breathing didn't make my driver's job any easier, but, little did he know, Jean-Marc was quickly racking up romantic points. For as much as I fault him for his impatience, my husband can swiftly shift into calm mode when the tables (or roads) are turned and I'm the one flipping out. I deeply appreciated his soft and encouraging words during our harried drive (and the few times he snapped he was quickly forgiven!).
Jean-Marc even managed, here and there, to maintain his sense of humor. Arriving to our hotel, he pulled the keys out of the ignition and, handed them to me, he chuckled. "Demain, c'est toi qui conduis!"
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French Vocabulary
une offre = special deal
chéri, chérie = darling
la fête des amoureux = Valentine's Day
la clé = key
visiblement = evidently
un avertissement = warning
calmer le jeu = calm things down
demain c'est toi qui conduit! = tomorrow you're the driver!
Provence Dreamin'? Maison des Pelerins, Sablet. A Vacation Rental Dream in the heart of the Côte du Rhone. Click here for photos.
Paris Metro Apron – a fun and whimsical tablier to wear
In Mdina, the old capital of Malta, the English influence can be missed… In 1964 Malta achieved its independance from the UK.
My favorite visit while on the island: the Argotti Botanical Gardens. Visits are by appointment only, but we were lucky to wander in and pay for our visitor pass (3 euros per person). We spoke to the curator who told us about all the Somalian students, currently working on site. "They are all exiled." I looked at the teenage boys, many of whom had lost their families. "They have only two choices back home: go to war or be killed," the curator explained. Cheers to Argotti Botanical Garden for creating this insertion program where they are teaching refugees skills to carry with them to their next destination (Matla beind a temporary landing for many of the unfortunates).
Other gardens on Malta: the San Anton Botanical gardens, where the president lives at the palace. See the impressive kitchen garden and the exotic birds.
Malta is a plant lovers paradise! Whether tumbling from balconies or carpeting the vineyards, flowers are blooming everywhere in February! I loved the roadside fennel with its giant round pom-pom flowers (so different from our Provence fenouil), and Jean-Marc helped me collect pocketfuls of snapdragon seeds! Some say the name "Malta" comes from the Greek "meli" (honey). And some call Malta "the land of honey."
Remember those tricks or "Triqs" I talked about in today's story. Here's a road sign.
Guess who we took with us on our romantic getaway? Mr. Sacks, bien sûr! Jean-Marc's ancient sacoche sat with us at outdoor cafes, on rocky piers, and sandy beaches. Here are more things we all enjoyed:
Mellieha Bay – where we found lounge chairs to rent (3 euros for the day) and ordered a hot lunch for under 10.
Golden Bay – beautiful hike down to the water (the path is flanked by purple and yellow wildflowers this time of year). Have a coffee at the bar overlooking the Mediterranean.
St. Paul's Bay – colorful fishing boats and a stroll along the boardwalk
Spinola Bay – St. Julians. Go to Gululu's — a restaurant for traditional Maltese food. I loved the octopus stew with capers, olives, raisin, walnuts and vegetables.
Also loved the restaurant Two and a half Lemons, in the Vittoriosa Marina–for the fresh tuna and for our wonderful waiter. Sitting outside, facing the boats, the sounds of the clanking masts is relaxing.
The island of Gozo is something we didn't get to see. It's going on our bucket list for next time! Have you ever been to Malta? Will you share some "must see" places there? Click here to comment.
Further Reading
Jed Christensen's article "Five Fine Days on Italy's Toe" includes an excellent and historical review of Malta.
I missed the chance to photograph all the beautiful stone walls, restanques, and cabanons on Malta. Thankfully Janet recorded some at her blog Malta Meanderings.
Googling "botanical gardens malta", I found Jess's blog–and great photos of San Anton Gardens (which I then visited).
The Kappillan of Malta – this book came highly recommended from one of our readers (Thanks, FM).
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What a lovely get away once you managed the crazy traffic and drive in! Beautiful photos comme toujours. My poor husband is very accustomed to my back seat driving even here in France. I too believe I am really helping us navigate and survive any dangers on the road. 🙂 Thankfully he is also a patient man. How fun to spend Valentines in such an alluring place.
S
What a lovely get away once you managed the crazy traffic and drive in! Beautiful photos comme toujours. My poor husband is very accustomed to my back seat driving even here in France. I too believe I am really helping us navigate and survive any dangers on the road. 🙂 Thankfully he is also a patient man. How fun to spend Valentines in such an alluring place.
S
and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
What a lovely getaway.i too moving from Canada to New Zealand and had the same fears on the first day of my new job with the hospital car. I was told to go work in Darfield,44km from Christchurch with this car that had the wheel on the passenger side and everything opposite to what I knew.
Well I discribe it to this day as one of my most traumatic experiences.It really felt like I was going the wrong way in traffic at roundabouts that one entered the opposite way.i managed to conquer the roads and my fears but not before on the first day shaking so badly that the cluch kept slipping.The first day was sunny and bright but I drove to Darfield with the windshield wipers going and things in the car beeping but I could not take my eyes off the road!,,Always felt sad I never got to share that day with someone else in the car,,but I can assure you the air was really blue that day!!!!
What a lovely getaway.i too moving from Canada to New Zealand and had the same fears on the first day of my new job with the hospital car. I was told to go work in Darfield,44km from Christchurch with this car that had the wheel on the passenger side and everything opposite to what I knew.
Well I discribe it to this day as one of my most traumatic experiences.It really felt like I was going the wrong way in traffic at roundabouts that one entered the opposite way.i managed to conquer the roads and my fears but not before on the first day shaking so badly that the cluch kept slipping.The first day was sunny and bright but I drove to Darfield with the windshield wipers going and things in the car beeping but I could not take my eyes off the road!,,Always felt sad I never got to share that day with someone else in the car,,but I can assure you the air was really blue that day!!!!
We Brits have this issue (almost) every time we drive abroad … we seem to manage.
We Brits have this issue (almost) every time we drive abroad … we seem to manage.
Hi Steve, forgot to mention that that was one thought that reassured me: all the Brits and other drive on the left drivers who manage in France.
Hi Steve, forgot to mention that that was one thought that reassured me: all the Brits and other drive on the left drivers who manage in France.
You can’t imagine how much I laughed with your Maltese experience. The same thing happened to us a couple of years ago. I went with my daughter, son in law and three granddaughters, and the tragedy of driving on the left side, specially because we couldn’t get an automatic car and my daughter was the driver. Each time we got to a roundabout our hearts stopped and we were petrified. To tell you the truth, the enjoyment of the trip was overcast with the driving. Next time, we will hire a local driver!
You can’t imagine how much I laughed with your Maltese experience. The same thing happened to us a couple of years ago. I went with my daughter, son in law and three granddaughters, and the tragedy of driving on the left side, specially because we couldn’t get an automatic car and my daughter was the driver. Each time we got to a roundabout our hearts stopped and we were petrified. To tell you the truth, the enjoyment of the trip was overcast with the driving. Next time, we will hire a local driver!
Well of course one manages, but it doesn’t take away the fact
That you fear for your life and it is a stressful and
Life altering experience. So glad you enjoyed your
Trip, Kristen!
Well of course one manages, but it doesn’t take away the fact
That you fear for your life and it is a stressful and
Life altering experience. So glad you enjoyed your
Trip, Kristen!
Malta is a lovely place filled with history that dates back over 2500 years. I was there in 2007 for a conference and was mesmerized. I would love to return. I am currently dating a Maltese so I think the chances are good and I look forward to it!
I am glad you enjoyed yourselves – once you found your hotel!
Malta is a lovely place filled with history that dates back over 2500 years. I was there in 2007 for a conference and was mesmerized. I would love to return. I am currently dating a Maltese so I think the chances are good and I look forward to it!
I am glad you enjoyed yourselves – once you found your hotel!
Hi Kristin,
What a nice Valentine’s getaway! Loved the photos! I didn’t know they drove on the left side in Malta. I remember when we visited Ireland and we landed at Shannon Airport and when we went out to pick up our car and it was all scratched and dented. We went back in to tell them that the car was all dented and scratched so they wouldn’t charge us when we brought it back. The girl at the rental car desk said “oh, all the cars are like that because the roads are so narrow”. I was anxious when we hit the first roundabout out of the airport and my husband started to turn right…I yelled left, left! It was odd driving on the left. I kept waiting to see a car coming straight on and hit us! It took us some time to change our way of thinking…left, left! I love the phrase for today too! Thanks!
Hi Kristin,
What a nice Valentine’s getaway! Loved the photos! I didn’t know they drove on the left side in Malta. I remember when we visited Ireland and we landed at Shannon Airport and when we went out to pick up our car and it was all scratched and dented. We went back in to tell them that the car was all dented and scratched so they wouldn’t charge us when we brought it back. The girl at the rental car desk said “oh, all the cars are like that because the roads are so narrow”. I was anxious when we hit the first roundabout out of the airport and my husband started to turn right…I yelled left, left! It was odd driving on the left. I kept waiting to see a car coming straight on and hit us! It took us some time to change our way of thinking…left, left! I love the phrase for today too! Thanks!
Great story, Kristi, great photos and great trip despite the harrowing driving. Same thing happened to me in Jamaica years ago, then with Charlie in Scotland…very confusing indeed, but good brain workout!!
You definitely scored in the husband department, bravo Jean-Marc for an unforgettable valentine!
ps Charlie is also Mr.Calm to my freak-out mode…!!!but I’m such a back seat driver that I now do most of the driving in the interest of staying married… xo
Great story, Kristi, great photos and great trip despite the harrowing driving. Same thing happened to me in Jamaica years ago, then with Charlie in Scotland…very confusing indeed, but good brain workout!!
You definitely scored in the husband department, bravo Jean-Marc for an unforgettable valentine!
ps Charlie is also Mr.Calm to my freak-out mode…!!!but I’m such a back seat driver that I now do most of the driving in the interest of staying married… xo
Malta is, along with Lanzarote, my favorite island. I was there in summer 2011 and last november. Each time I must have made over 500 photos as I am fascinated with the old houses and the landscape. I actually took exactly the same photo that you posted on top of your mail. In 2011 we took a trip by boat around the island that included a visit to the small island Comino where hardly anybody lives. I think they have a small hotel there, but that’s it. The hole island is covered with thyme and the water gives you an idea of what the tropical ocean must be like. Yet I almost enjoyed our trip in november even more, since Malta is not so full and the weather for someone like me, who was born and lives in Germany, a dream come true. Swimming in the ocean in november, 2.5 hours by plane away from home, is an awesome experience, although the maltese people think you are completely nuts.
Our first evening in november was equally exciting but not because of the traffic (we didn’t rent a car but used busses and taxis). I managed within minutes after our arrival at the hotel to lock ourselves out on the balcony – mobiles left inside the room – and no way to climb down from the second flor. Also, at 11:30 pm there aren’t many people around to ask for help. But thanks to my tablet, I could email my son in Germany, who then called the reception and help was on its way. I rather not mention the fact, that before that, I wrote about 5 emails to all possible adresses that were on the homepage of the hotel, none of them were read within time. We kind of felt a little embarrassed in the breakfast room the next morning when we had to tell them our room number. Contrary to our expectations, nobody bursted into a laughter (at least not in front of us).
I would like to thank you at this point for your french-word-a-day mail that I really enjoy.
Malta is, along with Lanzarote, my favorite island. I was there in summer 2011 and last november. Each time I must have made over 500 photos as I am fascinated with the old houses and the landscape. I actually took exactly the same photo that you posted on top of your mail. In 2011 we took a trip by boat around the island that included a visit to the small island Comino where hardly anybody lives. I think they have a small hotel there, but that’s it. The hole island is covered with thyme and the water gives you an idea of what the tropical ocean must be like. Yet I almost enjoyed our trip in november even more, since Malta is not so full and the weather for someone like me, who was born and lives in Germany, a dream come true. Swimming in the ocean in november, 2.5 hours by plane away from home, is an awesome experience, although the maltese people think you are completely nuts.
Our first evening in november was equally exciting but not because of the traffic (we didn’t rent a car but used busses and taxis). I managed within minutes after our arrival at the hotel to lock ourselves out on the balcony – mobiles left inside the room – and no way to climb down from the second flor. Also, at 11:30 pm there aren’t many people around to ask for help. But thanks to my tablet, I could email my son in Germany, who then called the reception and help was on its way. I rather not mention the fact, that before that, I wrote about 5 emails to all possible adresses that were on the homepage of the hotel, none of them were read within time. We kind of felt a little embarrassed in the breakfast room the next morning when we had to tell them our room number. Contrary to our expectations, nobody bursted into a laughter (at least not in front of us).
I would like to thank you at this point for your french-word-a-day mail that I really enjoy.
Was just thinking today about being in Enland and thinking, “I can’t possibly drive on the left!”. I am not sure your story reassures me. I now can’t imagine a round-about going the wrong way. But if I must, I must and I will think of you with a smile. Thanks for a lovely story.
Was just thinking today about being in Enland and thinking, “I can’t possibly drive on the left!”. I am not sure your story reassures me. I now can’t imagine a round-about going the wrong way. But if I must, I must and I will think of you with a smile. Thanks for a lovely story.
Gozo was my favorite part of Malta! It’s more countryside, but there are some beautiful beaches.
Gozo was my favorite part of Malta! It’s more countryside, but there are some beautiful beaches.
Quelle histoire. Superb.
An easy rule when driving on the left – ALWAYS KEEP YOUR WRISTWATCH NEAR THE CURB (assuming, of course, that you wear your watch on your left wrist); especially helpful in intersections and round-abouts.
I was given this bit of advice 65 years ago as I, obviously an “American” (actually, Canadian), drove my brand-new motorcycle out of the BSA factory gate in Birmingham, England, at the beginning of a trip around the world, which included many left-hand-drive countries – East and South Africa, Australia, India, Japan and several others. The simple rule must have worked, for here I am still driving (and still trying to improve my French) at age 90.
Quelle histoire. Superb.
An easy rule when driving on the left – ALWAYS KEEP YOUR WRISTWATCH NEAR THE CURB (assuming, of course, that you wear your watch on your left wrist); especially helpful in intersections and round-abouts.
I was given this bit of advice 65 years ago as I, obviously an “American” (actually, Canadian), drove my brand-new motorcycle out of the BSA factory gate in Birmingham, England, at the beginning of a trip around the world, which included many left-hand-drive countries – East and South Africa, Australia, India, Japan and several others. The simple rule must have worked, for here I am still driving (and still trying to improve my French) at age 90.
Lovely and funny story ! So lively too, just as if we were in the car ! It reminds me of the first time my husband-to-be and I crossed the Channel from Britanny : once in Porstmouth and leaving the ferry at 11 pm, well, we simply forgot to drive on the left ! We were quickly reminded to behave ourselves !!! That was stressful first, then… a lot of fun!
Lovely and funny story ! So lively too, just as if we were in the car ! It reminds me of the first time my husband-to-be and I crossed the Channel from Britanny : once in Porstmouth and leaving the ferry at 11 pm, well, we simply forgot to drive on the left ! We were quickly reminded to behave ourselves !!! That was stressful first, then… a lot of fun!
The story of your worrying reminds me of an English word a friend made up: “awfulizing”, thinking of all the worst things that might happen instead of living in the present.
May you ban awfulizing in your life!
The story of your worrying reminds me of an English word a friend made up: “awfulizing”, thinking of all the worst things that might happen instead of living in the present.
May you ban awfulizing in your life!
what a lovely thoughtful get away..so now you know you can drive on the wrong side and survive..another fear conquered yea!
what a lovely thoughtful get away..so now you know you can drive on the wrong side and survive..another fear conquered yea!
Gordon, you are an inspiration! I appreciate your notes over the years, and learning more about you. Thanks (but, as a leftie, I better not take your wristwatch tip!)
Gordon, you are an inspiration! I appreciate your notes over the years, and learning more about you. Thanks (but, as a leftie, I better not take your wristwatch tip!)
Had half a day in Malta several years ago but , sadly, only remember how tired I was after flight from Phoenix-NY-Frankfurt-Malta. We boarded a cruise in the afternoon so that was it. Looks as if a return visit would be worthwhile!
Had half a day in Malta several years ago but , sadly, only remember how tired I was after flight from Phoenix-NY-Frankfurt-Malta. We boarded a cruise in the afternoon so that was it. Looks as if a return visit would be worthwhile!
So funny, I could imagine myself falling into this same situation.
So funny, I could imagine myself falling into this same situation.
It was perhaps luckiy that you arrived at night. The Maltese are fairly relaxed about driving rules and they readily admit themselves that they drive “on the shady side of the road”.
It was perhaps luckiy that you arrived at night. The Maltese are fairly relaxed about driving rules and they readily admit themselves that they drive “on the shady side of the road”.
We had a lovely holiday on Gozo about 25 years ago and I remember being told that it wasn’t about left or right, but that the Maltese drive in the shade! Can I recommend Nicholas Monsarrat’s book, the Kappillan of Malta – I read it whilst I was there and it was just a wonderful read.
We had a lovely holiday on Gozo about 25 years ago and I remember being told that it wasn’t about left or right, but that the Maltese drive in the shade! Can I recommend Nicholas Monsarrat’s book, the Kappillan of Malta – I read it whilst I was there and it was just a wonderful read.
Oops….thats what I get for being up at 4am….anniversary isn’t until July! Perhaps you choose where you go then…and next year he makes the choice.
Oops….thats what I get for being up at 4am….anniversary isn’t until July! Perhaps you choose where you go then…and next year he makes the choice.
Kristin – You nailed this experience perfectly.
“We been there, we done that”, but in Britain, not Malta.
After some days of driving in England and Wales, I still got into the rental car one morning from the left side and was shocked to find no steering wheel in front of me.
Did you know the history of the world was almost changed by left-right disorientation?
Before World War Two, Winston Churchill visited America and was almost killed when he looked the wrong way before stepping off the curb into the path of an oncoming car. He may have been saved by the cushioning of the fat he carried which lessened the impact of the smack. As I recall, he was knocked through the air and cushioned again when he landed in the street.
Good to travel prepared for whatever comes. 🙂
Gordon
Kristin – You nailed this experience perfectly.
“We been there, we done that”, but in Britain, not Malta.
After some days of driving in England and Wales, I still got into the rental car one morning from the left side and was shocked to find no steering wheel in front of me.
Did you know the history of the world was almost changed by left-right disorientation?
Before World War Two, Winston Churchill visited America and was almost killed when he looked the wrong way before stepping off the curb into the path of an oncoming car. He may have been saved by the cushioning of the fat he carried which lessened the impact of the smack. As I recall, he was knocked through the air and cushioned again when he landed in the street.
Good to travel prepared for whatever comes. 🙂
Gordon
Many years ago when I was in Europe for 6 months we drove to Greece. That day I was the navigator. Everything was fine until we got to Athens. I had the map and was to guide us to the area where we wanted to stay. I looked at the map and then up at the first street sign. The map was in English and the signs in Greek. All Greek letters. I am sure at this point that has changed and they are in both. Somehow we got there and to the biggest round about I have ever seen. There were at least 10 streets filtering into it. And once you entered you didn’t dare get towards the middle because you would never be able to get off. To think we can get anywhere with a GPS and I do not have one. I sort of like the map.
Many years ago when I was in Europe for 6 months we drove to Greece. That day I was the navigator. Everything was fine until we got to Athens. I had the map and was to guide us to the area where we wanted to stay. I looked at the map and then up at the first street sign. The map was in English and the signs in Greek. All Greek letters. I am sure at this point that has changed and they are in both. Somehow we got there and to the biggest round about I have ever seen. There were at least 10 streets filtering into it. And once you entered you didn’t dare get towards the middle because you would never be able to get off. To think we can get anywhere with a GPS and I do not have one. I sort of like the map.