Sparta is a city with not one traffic light. Between speeding motorcyclists creating their own lanes, and double-parked cars and delivery trucks blocking narrow roads, and cars parked on sidewalks (really!) getting around is not for the faint-hearted. Motorists create their own parking spaces and often flaunt common-sense traffic laws.

Last week this tractor, parked in front of an abandoned building, caught my attention. The oddity of this rusty red piece of farm equipment on a residential street in the middle the city amused me. Its aged condition indicated years of faithful service. Perhaps it was in Sparta for repairs, or it was waiting for its owner to mount it for another day’s work.

Since then, I have been on the lookout for what, to me, are unique and classic motor vehicles still operational here. These are some of my favorite finds, which could easily find their way into the next sequel of the ever-popular movie, “Cars.”

Ready for “Cars”

Oh, and don’t ever get a parking ticket in Sparta! The police remove the license tags from your car and hold them until you pay the fine. Last summer, I was ticketed for “blocking the road” because I had parked half-on, half-off the sidewalk. If I had all four wheels on the sidewalk, I would have been fine. I drove all the way to Athens, not realizing my tags were missing. I was later told I could have been jailed for this offense.

Parking ticket for blocking the road, July 2017

Bottom line–rent a car, see the sights and have fun, but don’t drive like the locals. 🙂