Mince's Holiday with Calypso

[Joan]

Lovely photos, Calypso.     Looks like you had some sunshine.  I seemed to avoid most of the rain on my little holiday, until I got to Gloucester last Thursday - that rhyme about Dr Foster comes to mind.  On the way down there, my sister very cleverly handed over the driving to me just around Manchester on the M6.  I'd forgotten what British motorways are like in the pouring rain with lorries and spray everywhere and 6 lanes across and you just know that the lane you want is right over the other side. 

[Diane CBPFC]

I wonder if I would be able to drive in G.B. - not only because of the different side of the road but because of all the traffic. We have a four-way-stop in the centre of our town - I only go to the city about once a month and there they do have stop lights. The things that really scare me are the round abouts (we call them traffic circles) there is one in Edmonton - but now they went and put one in Sylvan Lake too! I will have to find a different route next summer when visiting the relatives. Round abouts are very confusing - should you go or shouldn't you? I usually go when someone behind me starts on the horn.

[Calypso]

I did not drive while I was in England. I might have tried except Mince's car is not an automatic. I can't drive a standard-shift.  I was amazed at how narrow the streets are in England. It was odd to see signs that tell people to "give way" because the road was only big enough for one car. You don't really see that in America. I could not see how most cars even fit through those places where there are speed controls. I think they had yellow poles or blocks you had to drive between like at a drive-thru branch of a bank.


Roundabouts are very confusing. It took me a little while to realize that they were intersections. Almost all intersections in the US are in the shape of a  +. Most of these intersections have traffic control lights. Many have lights specifically for left-turns too.  Driving in America seems much easier.

[Malc]

Diane, Roundabout rules state that (in Canada) unless you are actually ON the roundabout, you should give way to traffic coming from your left. There should never be any traffic coming from your right, but in a very rare case it might happen, so look both ways when coming to a halt or slowing for a roundabout (traffic circle).

[Diane CBPFC]

I did not drive while I was in England. I might have tried except Mince's car is not an automatic. I can't drive a standard-shift.  I was amazed at how narrow the streets are in England. It was odd to see signs that tell people to "give way" because the road was only big enough for one car. You don't really see that in America. I could not see how most cars even fit through those places where there are speed controls. I think they had yellow poles or blocks you had to drive between like at a drive-thru branch of a bank.


Roundabouts are very confusing. It took me a little while to realize that they were intersections. Almost all intersections in the US are in the shape of a  +. Most of these intersections have traffic control lights. Many have lights specifically for left-turns too.  Driving in America seems much easier.

I had not heard of those speed control posts - I guess that would put an end to drunk driving. I can drive a standard - but it would be confusing having to use your left hand to shift.

[Diane CBPFC]

Diane, Roundabout rules state that (in Canada) unless you are actually ON the roundabout, you should give way to traffic coming from your left. There should never be any traffic coming from your right, but in a very rare case it might happen, so look both ways when coming to a halt or slowing for a roundabout (traffic circle).

Thanks Malc - it sounds good when you read about it but normally I only came upon one every three years or so - and then it was a case of an "Oh shit!" feeling that comes over me. 

[Vulture]

Diane, Roundabout rules state that (in Canada) unless you are actually ON the roundabout, you should give way to traffic coming from your left. There should never be any traffic coming from your right, but in a very rare case it might happen, so look both ways when coming to a halt or slowing for a roundabout (traffic circle).

That would probably be me! In a few years' time, watch out - it's going to take a long time for me to learn to give way to the left on a round-about!

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

Diane, don't ever think about driving when you're over in the UK again. We have Roundabout Fever on this island these days, with not just bigguns, but mini-roundabouts springing up at every crossroads in every town, village or hamlet. My sat-nav can't keep up with the little b*ggers!

Mind you, the right/left thing doesn't present too much problem with the mini variety - most people just drive right over the top of them.

I used to like driving - these days I love it!

[peter]

In Hemel Hempstead there is a roundabout that you can go right or left so you have to be extra careful.
They have six mini roundabout around a large one.

[The Peepmaster]

Are you sure you're not thinking about the famous "Magic Roundabout" in Swindon, Peter?





I drove through it after a match there once - it's a nightmare.

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

That's just barmy. Somebody wants a good slap for coming up with that one.

[The Peepmaster]

I just noticed - you can see a bit of Swindon's ground in both pictures. Funny how these threads always turn to football.

[Diane CBPFC]

I shall have nightmares about the magic roundabout.

[The Peepmaster]

Peter's right. There's one in Hemel Hemstead too...

[peter]

Peeps you did not believe me. I am crushed.