Catching a cat or a motorcyclist

What's it driving by car on a Greek island like Kefalonia

I must confess I am not a huge fan of driving by car. I grew up in a city and country where public transport is so widespread and reliable, and where driving by bicycle is usually much more convenient, that I never felt the need for it. Even more, just finding a parking spot and getting a good overview of trams, buses, one-way signs and millions of other rules, made me feel more stressed than feeling that famous independence that all refer to when talking about their cars. That's why I only started learning to drive by the age of 30 and why my little son dreams about buses, trains and trams (even tram museums). But to be independent here on Kefalonia, one needs to drive either a car, or pay (and wait) every time for a taxi, as public transport between the localities is almost inexistant.

That's why we brought our car from Switzerland to Kefalonia, and why I had to push myself to really getting used and comfortable driving around. And it's amazing what I've learned so far:

Never trust the other follows or even knows the rule - and don't follow the rules too diligently yourself, as the others could get confused by it (e.g. ignore the 30 km/h so that the other behind you doesn't bump into you)
Always be prepared for the unknown on or coming into the streets (a cat, goats, dog-walkers, crater-holes, you name it)
Always be prepared for a motorcyclist driving without helmet in the middle of the street
Never count the number of curves, as it's an endless number here on the island
Parking spots are just there symbolically, the real parking sign is on each car when you turn on the blinking lights. General local preference is second row parking, particularly during crowded summer and morning shopping time.
Roundabouts rules are in most cases the opposite of what you learn in the rest of Europe - those entering have the priority, meaning that a whole roundabout can't move if there is a lot of traffic

I can say, that after 2 intense weeks of taking it seriously, I am getting a hang on it and I even start liking it! Now I am almost ready for the next challenge we've set ourselves - e-bikes for local movements around our village and beach.