Autostrade

Despite what most people think about Italian drivers, the autostrade aren't too bad at all...I wasn't driving mind you, but as a passenger I still observe a healthy respect on the roads compared to the aggression you see in Melbourne. Everyone actually stays on the slow lane unless they want to overtake, and after they overtake, they move back to the slow lane to let other cars pass - that's the early observation anyway.

It takes about 7 hours to drive from Biella to our place in Umbria and only two minor arguments about directions. My map reading skills are terrible and this is a vast improvement from our trip last year. I quickly realize that you can't turn an iPad around like a paper map much to my disappointment. Navigation is not my strong suit but we make it, and I'm happy to hear that Shane and I had a lot less arguments than him and Johnny did as they made their way to the tour de France.

Another experience of traveling in Italy is the AUTOGRILL, a Jetsons-esque monolith straddling both sides of the autostrade that serves as a one stop shop for food, toys, petrol, a dog park (I use that term liberally, it's a gated area of 4 x4 m), regional specialities (they do that pretty well actually), and Italian travelers all making their way to the beach drinking coffees at the bar. You can wait a while before you realize you need to pay for your order before taking the docket to the bar though...

Autogrill, Italy Highway Gas & Food Station - not sure if this link will work but hopefully it does and you get the idea.