Union strikes are one of the downsides of European living. Right now Italian gas stations are experiencing gas shortages and grocery store shelves are becoming sparse because truckers are on strike. They are using their trucks as barricades blocking roads, businesses, ports, and even entrances into Italy from France and Switzerland. Current reports expect this to last through Friday.
We have a quarter tank of gas in the car - enough to get to and from base at least once (maybe twice on fumes). At least we have enough for emergencies, but we won't be getting out to do anything fun for a few days. We also have enough food in the house to last through the weekend. Although the strikes are not directly harming us they are certainly inconvenient.
If you'd like to read more about what is happening in Italy here are a few news links to articles relating to the strikes:
Italy truck strike causes chaos - BBC News
Italian truck strike stops food, fuel supplies - Reuters
Italy's truck drivers defy back-to-work order and continue strike - International Herald Tribune
Italy: Truck drivers' strike brings country to a standstill - Adnkronos International
For more stories go to http://news.google.com.
On the upside - many of my friends are stranded at home too. Sheena and her daughter came over this morning and brought a friend who is visitingfrom the states. We popped in a movie, munched on popcorn and sipped hot spiced cider. I guess I can't complain too loudly.
2 comments:
We had fun, thanks for having us over! G said it was nice doing something American for the first time in over 3 months! :)
I'm glad you both had fun! It was nice to get together and hang out even if we couldn't drive anywhere. I really liked that movie too!
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