Driving in Greece - How Bad is it?Written by Emmanuel Mendonca
Driving in Greece, what is it really like? Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not best in Europe, but there are worse – they know who they are! I have been in driving in Greece for a while and have witnessed many examples of bad habits on road, which have shocked my rapidly departing British sensibilities. It is not uncommon for drivers to hoot their horns at traffic lights, even when they are still on red and to fly through red lights. There is a reason of sorts for some of occasions when latter occurs. Traffic lights, even in capital, are not remotely controlled at different times of day to allow for changes in traffic flow. Therefore in rush hour, for example, there can be dozens of cars waiting to go through a traffic light, which stays green for only ten seconds or less. This results in stressed out drivers sneaking through on red because they are tired of waiting. I have also been surprised on more than one occasion when going down a one-way street, by someone coming at speed in opposite direction towards me. I have decided that if I ever dent front of my car, next time I see someone driving wrong way up a one-way street towards me, I’ll head straight for them and let other guy's insurance company cover damage I did elsewhere. Sounds good in theory at least. The Greeks seem to have a disregard for their own safety to a degree that I have not seen in northern Europe – drivers and pedestrians alike. For example, watch out for Greek grannies walking down middle of road with their shopping. Ok, so pavements in some places are so bad that you have to walk in road, but it is really necessary for pedestrians to go head to head with traffic? Seatbelts are rarely worn even though law says they must be worn in front. Children can often be seen jumping up and down on back seat, as though they were playing in their rooms, or wedged between two adults on a motorbike. There is very much an “it will never happen to me” mentality, but statistics show that unfortunately it does happen, every day. I always wear a seatbelt, whether I am driving or I am in someone elses car. It often raises a strange look from taxi drivers, as though you are somehow questioning their ability to drive.
| | What Should You Know About Hiking Boots?Written by Diana Claire
What is essential equipment for you when going on a hiking? Beside, your backpack, you also have to consider about your footwear. You will be suffering when you are not using your footwear properly. It seems all physical activity, especially hiking need good footwear. Physical Activity Need Good Boots Ask your friends to hike with you! Hiking is one of way to know more about your friends and also a good way to make your body and your spirit healthy. There are more you get though; but all of that will fade away if you don't wear good hiking boots. Understand that all outdoor physical activity will be enjoyable if you wear good boots. As people said, if you're nice to your feet, rest of your body will feel good--especially during a hike. What ever your outdoor physical activity, either a light day hike to a three-pack or four-day pack trip, your hiking boots makes difference. Hiking boots is one of most important pieces of gear when hiking. To keep your feet comfortable, you must wear a boot that fit with your feet boot to avoid blister and foot-injury. Choosing Your Boots How to find a good hiking boots for your feet to make you comfortable. Well, here are some check lists you might want to know about hiking boots: - Decide what type of hiking boot you want to choose. You can find two types of boots on market, leather boots and lightweight hiking boots. Leather boots are more expensive, but they are tend to be more durable and last longer, and can be waterproofed. Lightweight boots tend to be more breathable, more comfortable, cheaper, and require a shorter break-in time. Even though, most important for both types of boots should have good ankle support. - Don't choose hiking boots of your normal size. You have to go up a 2 size with your normal shoe size. When you put on your hiking boot, you should be able to put a finger between your foot and heel of boot since your feet swell as they warm up.
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