Driving in Lithuania
I was just browsing through Forbes and stumbled across a list of Europe’s most dangerous drivers. Lithuania is number 1. Is it bad that I almost got excited and exclaimed to V, “Hey, look! Lithuania won something!”? Anyway, honestly, I have never felt too unsafe driving here. You just have to be aware of your surroundings, merge for faster cars, and not expect others to see your blinker and let you cut in front of them. Lithuanian drivers are not known for their patience or courtesy. It’s every man for himself. Also, the main roads are usually in good condition, but the side roads are often gravel, riddled with potholes, or both. You just have to constantly be alert. This means, no talking on cell phones (it’s against the law, anyway).
Beyond the actual driving, there is a phenomenon in this country that I like to call: Black German Luxury Cars Can Do Whatever the Hell They Want. Truly. Apparently, there is a Lithuanian traffic book that specifically states that laws only apply to lowly, non-black car driving citizens and visitors. A BMW owner is more than welcome to parallel park across 4 handicapped parking spaces. They are also allowed to park as close as possible to wherever they are going. This allows everyone watching to “OOOHH and AAAHH” over the vehicle, while simultaneously allowing the owner to announce, “Hey, look at me! I’m rich, y’all!”
However, I have noticed that there are usually rules to follow. The car must be somewhat new (1980’s luxury cars don’t count). Most people understand this, but unfortunately, a guy shopping at the grocery store the other day did not get the memo. He parked his old, black BMW right up front, where it was completely obstructing traffic. He stepped out wearing over-sized sunglasses and clothes tattooed with magnified designer logos. V and I had to step around the car to try and access ours. As we did this, the alarm started beeping. A really high-pitched, ringing beep. While the car was going berserk, I looked in and noticed a huge car phone in the center console. The car was that old.
Like this, but less cool.
The guy glanced at us with an annoyed look on his face. I looked back, “Um, I think your phone might be ringing.”
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Oh my god. TOO funny – I love it! That phone (and its lame owner) totally crack me up.
LOL! hilarious! “magnified designer logos” eheheh so funny :) {and so true lol}
that phone is awesomely old!! :) ….is the old becoming the new, new? hmmm :) heheh
enjoy your day!: ) or umm I mean night!
My husband bought me a phone like this.
4 years ago. It looked like a WWII field phone and weighted about 8 pounds. I drove a stick shift. IT WAS NOT A JOKE.
Good times.
Our citizenship? CANADIAN. Oh, and my husband? We’re no longer married.
whahahaha i have this goofy smile on my face..FUNNY!!!
One Love,
Jowy
http://www.iseejanemary.blogspot.com
lol what a funny post. Atlanta drivers are pretty psycho drivers. and the freeway is like 6 rows, ugh.
for rows, i meant lanes lol
Dude, that’s hilarious. Go Lithuania!
You were nicer than I would have been, my dera.
*dear, even. ;-)
Having been in Vilnius for a week, I can say that this is SO TRUE. Never in my life have I seen people that drive like they do here, and the PARKING, oh the parking.
You neglected to mention that the speed limit on the cobblestone streets that are lined by 2 foot sidewalks seems to be simply “as fast as you can go, and ignore the pedestrians scrambling to get out of your way”
I am so glad that someone else notices the insanity! :)
Haha…yeah. The “running over pedestrians” thing is kind of everywhere in Europe. Hope you’re enjoying Vilnius so far :)
that’s a funny story.
i remember that phone.
on the other hand, it’s really hard driving on the road because there are people who don’t pay attention that’s why we really need to careful.
http://momfashionworld.blogspot.com/
I live in Atlanta…driving here requires a special kind of madness…if you don’t put your game face on before you hit the freeway…you’ll be run off the road and into a metal barrier, grassy hill, ditch….wherever…
Congratulations on the win but I fear a number
of nations might be closing in on your title. Having recently “enjoyed” my experience of
Sicilian driving , the Sicilians must be in with a shout for next years title.