How do you spot a tourist ?
1. Often goes to get in wrong side of car
2. Drives up tram only streets, lots of people waving (they're a freindly lot over here)
3. Drives up one way streets wrong way (ditto people waving)
4. Wears shorts - locals too cool to expose legs
Its certainly been a learning experience - the driving isn't really too hard except when you have to negotiate a real intersection - 99% are roundabouts. So far haven't encountered any road rage, or boy racers!
Anyway spent a couple of days in Zurich - nice place but bloody expensive. Did the touristy things plus saw a Tutankhamen exhibition - very cool. Crossed back over to France Thursday - its great being able to watch the TDF at a pub - at least I don't have to listen to everyone at home slinging off about the druggies - hope there aren' too many more.
Travelled south to Grenoble then Gap, from where I saw the start of the Embrun to Prato Nevoso stage - what a hoot. Pissed down with rain but us TDF pilgrims are pretty dedicated so hung in there. There must have been 20 - 30,000 people at the start!
Yesterday I ducked over to Italy for an espresso, said buon guorno a couple of times, then back to France and Grenoble again via today's tour route - and there were already thoudands of people camping for a good look today.
I had planned to be on today's stage (Alpe d'Huez) but last night I ran into trouble - my main credit card got swallowed in an ATM. I had to abandon my plans and spent an hour this morning trying to convince the people in the bank to give it back. To cut a long story short they wouldn't (and I didn't even swear at anyone) so will cancel it and rely on my other one - if I lose that I could be here a while - hope my bosses don't mind but I worked out I could beg for food while walking home - should be back by about 2011.
Anyway I head for Paris Thuesday, stay there for a few days, and see how many times I can get told off. I'll be at the Champs Elysee for the final stage so see if you can spot me on TV - should only be about a million or so watching it.
Au revoir
Howie sans beret
