Our town has the worst sidewalks I have ever seen. When the present core of the city was developed, mostly after 1955, the city allowed individual owners to decide what, if any sidewalks to install on their property. The result is a potpourri of elevations, surfaces and slants. Also, many owners decided to install small elevated border markers between their sidewalk and the next. Today they act mostly as traps for the unwary, especially at night. Within a few yards it is not uncommon to encounter several elevations and an equal number of different surfaces including, tile, concrete, asphalt and marble. Many people just walk in the street.
This sidewalk situation is not a common occurrence in Italy as most cities have specific regulations requiring uniform sidewalks somewhat similar to American cities. Our city has done that in the areas that have developed more recently but the main business core remains a constant walking hazard. It doesn't seem to bother anyone much; my speculation is that a population that largely grew up in ancient towns with no sidewalks and cobblestone streets isn't concerned with a lack of sidewalks.
On the other hand, we have excellent 3G cell coverage including high speed mobile internet and not a cell tower in site. In the rural countryside you can find a cell tower but only rarely. In cities, technology has been used to provide excellent coverage without towers. I cannot recall seeing a cell tower along the approximately 60 mile stretch of coastline that I am familiar with. Sometimes what you don't have is a benefit.
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