bit disconcerting to sit in a B class Merc taxi, while a younger and less deodorised Micahel Schumacher wannabe dodges holes at 180 kph

According to the locals, 'zey have spent all ze money fixing roadz in ze East', not too much national unity there, then.

At least it's not just a UK problem, (mind you, they probably still have streetlights to avoid them by).