Stop number one was to get gasoline. I had a momentary memory lapse when I couldn't recall my zip code associated with my VISA card to pump the gas! This of course was after I pulled out my book of NATO gas coupons. Oops. And although he said he only need a few gallons, I filled it up since poor Ravi hasn't had a full tank since before leaving Oakland and I figured Cami would appreciate a full tank. Hey, it's been a while since I've pumped gas...go big right?
Merging onto the freeway I quickly realized that I could use the big numbers on the speedometer rather than the itty bitty ones. Best part? I actually got to see the needle go past my normal 50mph mark. One good thing about driving on the tangenziale all these months makes 65mph seem fast! And yes, I do obey the speed limit to/from work since the cameras still make me paranoid!
Somehow I managed to remember to pick a lane, stop at red lights, and watch out for cars in front of me rather than watching my rear view mirror for those flashing lights telling me to speed up or move over. Shocking? Yep. Another shocker were the size of parking spaces- they were so large!
Yep. Perhaps the most foreign thing of my entire driving experience today was the fact that it took me even less than what I have estimated for my travel time. In 20 minutes I was able to get to my destination. As in for the first time in months I was not only on time, but early! I was able to get there without gridlock, without cobblestone roads, without potholes the size of craters, and without ancient ruins along the side of the road.
On my way home I had to smile as I saw a tractor on the road ahead of me, fields on either side of me, and a beautiful blue sky above. Not quite Italy now is it?
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