...or more specifically, thing I didn't expect on my first trip to France and Italy.
Growing up, traveling was not something I did much. I lived in Alabama and when my family and I went on vacation, we went somewhere simple. Like Florida or Tennessee. We never ventured far from home, mainly because money wasn't something we had an excessive amount of. But, determined to venture further, I got a job and saved up to go on a twelve-day trip to France and Italy. It drained my bank account, but I was excited nonetheless. I had never been out of the south before, yet I was ready to jump on an international flight to a place I knew virtually nothing about? I was definitely in for the trip of a lifetime.
Growing up, traveling was not something I did much. I lived in Alabama and when my family and I went on vacation, we went somewhere simple. Like Florida or Tennessee. We never ventured far from home, mainly because money wasn't something we had an excessive amount of. But, determined to venture further, I got a job and saved up to go on a twelve-day trip to France and Italy. It drained my bank account, but I was excited nonetheless. I had never been out of the south before, yet I was ready to jump on an international flight to a place I knew virtually nothing about? I was definitely in for the trip of a lifetime.
1. Thieves.
Yes, I know. I know. Thieves are a thing in America too. But Europeans have grown accustomed to the tourists and some see us as an easy target when it comes to the art of pick-pocketing. When I was first warned of it, I didn't take it too seriously. Because what are the chances that I, of all the people traveling this summer, would get my purse picked?
Well heres some news: I got my purse picked. But only almost. Thankfully my cat-like reflexes saved my life.
My over-dramatization aside, pick-pocketing is seriously a thing there. Keep your purses close, because no one is going to stop and say, "Hey, that lady behind you is eye-balling your bag." Because you're a tourists and other locals are too laid back to notice--or care--that you're a walking target.
2. The Street Vendors.
Oh, the street vendors. I was warned of these too... but this time I actually listened. When I say "street venders" I don't mean the guys selling things underneath the big tents (which, by the way, you'll see a lot of). No, I mean "street vendors" as in the illegal kind. The ones who have blankets on the ground with merchandise piled on top. And they're all selling the same things; Fake paintings, keychains, umbrellas, selfie sticks (yes, selfie sticks), etc. It's rare that anyone actually buys anything from them because if the police catch you, you'll get in trouble. It's actually kind of humorous to see the vendors pack up their things in an impressively quick manner when they see the cops rounding the corner.
Long story short, no matter how bad you might want a selfie stick; just because it seems as if every single other tourists has one... don't get it. At least not from the illegal street vendor.
3. The Gypsies.
I didn't see much of these until I arrived in Rome. You can spot them a mile away.
Number one rule: Don't be deceived.
You'll usually find them kneeling on the sidewalk with their face looking down at the ground as they hold out a bowl for you to toss some Euros into. They're usually wearing colorful wardrobe with lots of patterns and you can hear them mumbling in Italian. These aren't so bad because they aren't really bothering anyone. What stinks is when they're up and walking around. They'll show you a picture of their family and beg you as they cry with no tears. This is where you make a decision:
A) Give her a Euro or two.
B) Give her the "there's nothing left" gesture (See number 4)
or C) Say nothing and make no eye contact.
Whichever one you choose is fine, but do not, under any circumstances, be rude to them. Trust me, a pissed off gypsy is not something you want to see. My friend learned that the hard way. Do you have any idea how scary it is to be yelled out in a language you can't understand?
Also, if anyone randomly comes up to you and asks if you speak English, just shake your head no. This is a commonly used distraction among gypsies in which they hold your attention long enough for another gypsy to sneak into your bags. Yes, a person really could need your help. But it's better to not take that chance. Don't feel too bad about it, though, because there are plenty other English-speakers who will probably help them.
4. There are lots of gestures.
I see more Italians using hand gestures than I do French. They're quite funny actually. Watch the video below and you'll become an expert. (My bet is that you won't use the majority of these, but if you spot an Italian using one, at least you know what's going on.)
FUN FACT: The "You're wife is cheating on you" gesture is mainly used by angry drivers. If someone cuts your bus or taxi driver off and you see them throw that 'rock on' sign we use at concerts... well, it doesn't mean they're having a good time. It's really the American equivalent of flicking people off.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8hAOxsTpVY]
5. It costs money to pee.
Depending where you are, a lot of restaurants and businesses won't let you use their restrooms unless you are a customer. "If you gotta go, you gotta buy". I think I spent a total of thirty euros just to empty my bladder.
6. The Eiffel Tower is cool and all but...
When you arrive at the structure (which is a lot bigger than it looks once you're standing underneath it), you are given two choices as to how you want to get to the top:
A) Take the stairs to the second floor and then take an elevator to the third.
or B) Take an elevator all the way to the third.
The line is obviously shorter for those who choose to take the stairs. Not only that, but it's also cheaper.
But let me tell you... Those stairs are killer. Truth be told, I WILL NOT be going up the eiffel tower ever again unless there is an elevator ticket in my hand.
7. Stay Modest.
This is a definite, especially if you plan on visiting any of the famous chapels that will never fail to take your breath away. Your knees can't be showing and neither can your shoulders.
Some chapels are more lenient (either that, or they just aren't paying attention) and you can get away with a bit of knee cleavage. But aside from that, if they spot you with your shoulders out, they make you cover up. It's all out of respect.
8. You're better off walking to the Arc de Triomphe (just don't get ran over).
Seriously. When they said the traffic was crazy there, I didn't think they meant the catastrophe that I was faced with. Do yourself a favor, go on Youtube and type in "Arc de Triomphe Traffic" to prepare yourself.
9. Good luck getting a decent selfie in front of the Trevi Fountain.
If you've ever seen "The Lizzy McGuire Movie" you would have noticed that Lizzy has her own personal space to throw her coin into the fountain as she makes a wish.
Sadly, it's all a lie. Maybe it depends on the time of year that you go, but if you're traveling in the summer, just know that simply finding a spot NEAR the fountain is not a simple task at all. It's extremely packed but you can probably get a mediocre panoramic from afar. if you'd like.
Hope this helps! That's all for now folks. See you next time!
