Holidos and don’ts - sat-nav and maps - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

My father-in-law is a topographer, he loves maps so much he takes them to the bathroom… even though he knows the way.

It was his great misfortune then to be dumped with the most directionless son-in-law on God’s Green Earth.

I blame me, my compass of a wife, me, other people, and, er, me.

And sat-nav.

My Scary One also takes after her father and one family holiday saw her arguing with Siri as we navigated ourselves around Bristol.

And, of course, Sarah won over Siri.

I thought was a Godsend at first when I first discovered it but it has turned out to be a temptress.

And like all sirens it stops you thinking for yourself and leads you into the rocks.

Whatever did the ancients do without sat-nav, what with that outdated path they call the stars and the sky?

Despite living in Ireland for 13 years I still get lost in Dublin and end up resorting to Google Maps.

Only I then have no internet and am loath to turn on Data Roaming.

While there’s also the risk of getting run over crossing the road while listening to Siri’s directions.

All of which can be fixed with a map.

Only I never know what’s north, what’s south, what’s left, what’s right… in fact being a rightie I always turn right.

And then the map also gets turned around in your hand by a gust of wind.

Anyone for Venice?

Or because of folding and refolding it gets torn and worn at the corners just at the point you want to go.

The best city map was our Venice guide http://www.venezia-tourism.com which came with a compass.

And if you’ve ever been to the lagoon city (and if you haven’t then why) you’ll know that its maze of lanes will soon see you lost.

Without help.

This is what happened when I took time out from my trip to Padova to show my friends the Great City… https://jimmurtytraveltraveltravel.com/2019/09/15/padova-city-of-frescoes/

All of which is a reminder, and The Scary One’s aunt is constantly telling me… I should always bring the wife with me.

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