approach with caution
I always approach the toll booths at autostradas with trepidation. They terrify me. I am never sure which booth to go to and there are usually cars going in all directions.
All my worst nightmares happened at the Siena exit recently. I entered the Alt Stazione with the ticket and money clutched in my hand, put the window down and was congratulating myself on the closeness to the ticket slot – I could reach easily without having to scramble out of the window – so far so good.
When it came time to put the money in the slot, the machine would not accept the 10 euro note. No matter which way I pointed it, it would not go in. By this time there was a long line of cars behind me.
Then the note floated silently to the road and under the car. Being close to the toll booth was now not quite so useful. I could only open the car door a little way, barely enough to squeeze myself out and scratch for the money under the car and force myself back in.
At this point a voice came over the intercom telling me to insert the money into the slot. What a novel idea!!! I shouted to the air that the machine would not accept the money. The request was repeated in english – very helpful!!! I foolishly thought the man sitting comfortably in his little office might have roused himself and made his way the whole 10 metres to help me, but this was not to be.
Just as I was about to throw something large and heavy, preferably with long spikes, in his direction, the money disappeared into the slot, the boom gate opened , a cheery voice said Arriverderci and I was on my rattled way to Siena. I think it is time for us to get a Telepass.