We have been on the road for one month now so I wanted to write a blog about things I have seen while driving. The first thing anyone would notice when driving on French highways is the massive amounts of car parts swept under the barriers. There are things like broken glass, car bumpers, headlights and scrap metal all stuffed under the barriers. Thankfully it was just in Paris and not everywhere.
When you use the highway you will definitely use a toll booth. We go through one approximately every hour we drive, and each time you will be charged at least 2€. They are very nice roads in impeccable condition, so it is worth it.
While we drive we see plenty of impressive scenery; things like groves of olive trees, rows of grape vines and fields of wheat. It is amazing how much farmland the French have; when we were at one of the B&B’s, it was all we could see in all directions.
Before we left we had put a number of interesting audio books onto Mommy’s iPad so in the car we listened to them. The main issue with the audio books is that Daddy gets very sleepy so we have to stop every hour to nap! The problem, in part, was because Daddy’s allergy medicine was not non-drowsy.
Cars have the right of way in the city so they will whizz through intersections, it was crazy. The license plates are all different colours because they are from different regions of France and Europe. There are different speed limit depending on the weather. When it is dry the limit is 130 km/h but when wet it is 110 km/h, it is very clever. Before each village there are signs beautifully decorated with designs of attractions that city is known for.
Perhaps the most convenient thing I saw were these small orange boxes, we found out that they are emergency telephones, very considerate. The phones are spaced 1.5 km apart and there is a maximum response time of 30 minutes! It has been a fascinating driving experience and I’m sure I will see more differences! See you soon…
Brandon Lau's Blog 
We have been following along and feel like we are right there with you! Love the pictures and especially the descriptions of the details like the finely kept roads, the toll booths and the farmland. Miss you guys! Love Alexis and Eric
Loved this latest blog. Tolls are a great idea. Yes, traffic in Europe is kept moving by cars whizzing around and pedestrians dodging them.
The Motorways in England also have emergency phone stands…blue I believe, I too think it very considerate.
Different speeds for different driving conditions is very sensible.
You are learning a lot. You’ll have to suggest the government implement some of these ideas when you return. 🙂 I’m sure the tolls would be very popular. LOL
I’m looking forward to pictures of Italian treats next!