Anarchy in the Streets

In my neighborhood of Palermo, the upscale, low-rise part of town, intersections appear completely devoid of the rule of law.

These intersections may have been sleepy in yonder years, although these days there is a parade of taxis, buses and delivery guys on mopeds, none of whom are interested in giving way. Stand at one of these corners for a few minutes and you'll see, about once every minute, a close call. From your vantage point you'll see it coming a mile away: the bus and the taxi full steam ahead. Then they'll both enter the intersection, and only at the last second will the taxi slam the brakes to allow the bus to pass.