As Shelley posted we are in the middle of a week long strike. Last week the taxi drivers, train conductors and bus drivers walked off the job, and this week it is the truck drivers turn. They are unhappy due to rising fuel prices. Although this was a planned strike, the drivers have illegally been blocking freeways and not delivering gas or food. The police have not intervened to clear up the road blocks even though the drivers were ordered to move and deliver basic goods to stores. The Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi stated that “The blockages constitute an unbearable violation of the liberty of citizens.”
Yeah, this pretty much sucks. For me it started Monday on the way to the doctor which is only a few miles down the road. The back up from the freeway was so bad cars were lined up for miles and were at a complete standstill. Then last night Daniele had to fight his way home from work in the middle of the lines of traffic from the roadways, then the lines at every gas station, then even more lines at two of the areas grocery stores. I have never seen anything like this. There is no control. Everything seems like it is in total chaos. This will be a fun week of no milk, no gas and no fresh food 
Here is a video I found (I tried to load my own but it’s not working) showing the madness. Apparently these cars were in line for gas, when there was gas….
One word: crazy. I hope this situation gets solved soon. It’s no fun when there’s no food an gas. People need to negotiate!
Bluefish: Thanks for commiserating. It’s like, make love, not make everyone’s life hell.
Oh my! What a bother, especially since everyone is preparing for the holidays.