Crazy @ss European Drivers

They're actually very good drivers, but they drive with machoism to show how manly they are, because we all know that manliness is linked to the ability to skillfully pilot a vehicle in a way that will scare the panties of the ladies. Especially when the drivers have spiky hair and leather jackets.

Although that doesn't explain why the ladies drive like that too, unless a) they're lesbians or b) european men wear panties. I suspect neither a) nor b) are mutually exclusive.

So hear's the scoop on driving in Belgium:

• Cars here don't have many cupholders because you're in the car to drive, not drink coffee.
• Learn to drive in roundabouts. Yes, you are supposed to use your blinker. Next time you're in a roundabout ... note how many Americans use blinkers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundabout
• Cars to the right have priority unless there's a sign saying they don't: http://www.transportsfriend.org/int/driving.html#priority
• Create gridlock on purpose. You are expected to enter intersections on green and yellow regardless if you can clear it.

Note that in Greece, cars in the roundabout must yield to those entering the roundabout. This is a surefire way to make a traffic jam when it gets heavy, but this appears to be consistent with everything else Greece does and I guess it wouldn't be Greece if they did things rationally, now would it?

And drive fast on narrow roads with no shoulder right next to the buildings. I think the roads are narrow and crooked because they used to be horse lanes. In fact, there are many obstacles created to slow traffic, for example they will narrow traffic to one lane on purpose. This is dumb because opposing heavy traffic you'll never get through the narrow part. Why not post a speed limit and enforce it?

Also, get a GPS. There is very little road planning and you'll find yourself going through little neighborhoods at 30kph to get to a major highway intersection. Then you'll find that some neighborhoods didn't like all the traffic so they put up concrete barriers which means you'll have to find another little neighborhood. The fun really starts when there were multiple construction projects underway and you'll spend an hour finding a way to get the 5km to the freeway. This would be impossible without a good GPS.

Just a tip: if you plan on using your phone's GPS then make sure you have service in Europe.

In the end driving went ok, but it was a relief when I could drop off the car at the airport and ride the rails for a day.