Adrenaline is one of the biggest motivators in life. Whether it's out of fear, love, adventure, or all of the above it's to be assumed that most people have felt this in their lives. Daring feats of climbing, jumping out of airplanes, encountering wild animals, and extreme sports are some of the most obvious of avenues to find adrenaline. However, there are simpler things that can lead to this sensation as well.
Travelers are some of the greatest advocates of adrenaline (if I do say so myself). Besides all of my stories about extreme events I find that there are smaller moments when your heart rate really rises. Traveling through crowded alleyways at top speeds has to be one of them. Now that's not to say that cab drivers in the US don't get crazy from time to time, but from my experience it's foreign alleys that are the most thrilling. Whether I'm in the Middle East or Europe there's just something about flying down narrow streets that makes my palms sweat just a little bit.
Sure, there are dangers and at times it is completely unsafe and reckless. A gentle reminder - you always have the right and power to ask your driver to slow down if you are uncomfortable. Not every person behind the wheel drives like a maniac either, so please don't twist my words. Locals are typically the ones who can get you anywhere at top speeds or take you for a detour that will cost you a pretty penny.
Have fun, enjoy the ride, but above all be safe and enjoy your destination.
-CS
This is an alleyway in Rome from 2009. Just around the corner was the Trevi Fountain.