Okay, this is a good one.  Italy is divided into regions in the same way the US is divided into states.  The regions are relatively independent with their own laws and taxes.  Soooooo, in Piemonte where we live there is a tax that Funeral Homes have to pay to transport one's "remains" in hearses to and from funerals and cemeteries.  But in the region south of us, Liguria, there is no such tax.  In this country where Berlusconi has still not been put in jail and in fact even came in second in the recent elections, a hearse was stopped coming over the border from Liguria into Piemonte.  Police had been staking them out, watching the procession of mourners following the hearse as it left the church on one side of the border and drove to the cemetery on the other side.  Once the criminals crossed the border the "tax police" stopped them, ticketed them and escorted them to the nearest regional office to pay the appropriate tax.  All of this with the poor dead soul tucked up in his box, along for the ride. 

On a brighter note, I have the date for my written exam.  The 29th of March, 8 a.m..  By the way, the tow truck finally showed up at 5pm yesterday.  Thankfully it came with a replacement car which we have until tomorrow when we pick up our rental and begin the search for a car to buy.  EEEEEEK!  xxoo me