One thing that an American must remember when driving in Europe is the citizens' attitude toward traffic laws, signs, and lights. In Germany they are sacrosanct. Had Poland put stop signs and do not enter markings on the border in 1939, WW II would have never happened. In Italy, however, such things are merely suggestions. A stop sign or red light -- yeah, some folks might stop but it's no big deal. Makes crossing the intersection so much more exciting. One way arrows with a do not enter sign --- kinda clears traffic for you and, if you hurry, gives you a clear shot to the road or bldg you want. And my favorite, of course, are lane markings. You see 3 lanes clearly marked. 3 lanes? Doubtful. I'm guessing a minimum of 4, maybe 5 lanes of traffic. And if it gets a bit too crowded, there's aways that stretch of pavement where the people walk. It's right next to the street, so logically it too is available for cars. And then there's the pea soup fog on the packed autostrada around Padua/Verona where everyone drives 100+ kph 'cuz the tiny taillights ahead of them are going 100+ kph.
Scary as hell, but fun.
I really was relieved to get back into Switzerland.
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