Beware the gypsies, pigeons and strikes

F C Lee · 07-13-2008 2:43 AM

Italians love to protest about almost anything that takes their fancy, and strikes are a norm. Rather an inconvenience when it involves public transport. So keep an eye on the news for any restless Italian natives like airline or train employees.

As in much of the world, there is a thieving element in the urban areas of Italy. An auditor friend had his laptop snatched last month while disembarking a cab for the hotel. He claimed to have endured a major distraction that left him unattentive to his luggage -- mainly his three wild children.

Just be sensible and keep tabs on your luggage or purse (men in Italy carry purses as well, even the heterosexual ones). No need to attach it to your body with duct tape, but keep vigilant and don’t be easy prey for pickpockets.

For the pigeons, they are tolerated city inhabitants who defecate on statues and aggressively dive-bomb for food. But no harm done unless you suffer from ornithophobia due to some childhood Maury experience. Chirp chirp.

sergio · 07-23-2008 4:51 PM

Most of the things you say depends of the City. I really recommend be careful in Naples train station, there's a lot of people searching the opportunity to left anyone. After the 20:00, all stores of the trains station closes and it's practically difficult avoid delinquents.

Simpatico · 07-29-2008 8:42 AM

of course one always needs to be careful. It's a good idea to carry a paper (or electronic) checklist of the things you are carrying with you and the things you left back at the hotel/flat and sent a reminder to check the list every X hours. I know it might sound annoying or too careful, but for me it's a best practice. Especially because after eating a pizza margherita in a Naple's pizzeria with the mozzarella napoletana you are likely to easily forget your phone/or disturbingly overloaded wallet on the table. You should also be careful about your passport. I heard of someone whose passport was stolen, and used by someone else to travel!

Sammie · 08-14-2008 5:04 PM

Strikes are a problem and you rarely have advance notice. Strikes generally do not last a long time in Italy so you just have to be flexible and go with the flow. I have been in Italy when the hotel workers have been on strike, public transit has been on strike and a few other groups have been on strike. The most important thing is not to let it ruin your vacation.

Mousey · 08-16-2008 4:56 PM

Ladies should not carry purses on their shoulder. They should make sure they wrap the strap around their body and have a secure close. Never put your purse on the floor or hang it off the back of your chair.

Junebug · 05-05-2009 9:30 AM

Be sensible and watch your stuff, as the others said. In my experience, the most accomplished thieves were cafe employees! Always ask for a receipt, especially while jet lagged. I ended up paying fourteen euro for a cafe' and spremute at the Olimipia cafe in Venice (near the train station at the Ferrovia water bus stop). Unfortunately, I didn't figure out I'd been ripped off until I was an hour away, on the train to Firenze.

#1 07-13-2008 2:43 AM

Beware the gypsies, pigeons and strikes

#2 07-23-2008 4:51 PM

Re: Beware the gypsies, pigeons and strikes

#3 07-29-2008 8:42 AM

Re: Beware the gypsies, pigeons and strikes

#4 08-14-2008 5:04 PM

Re: Beware the gypsies, pigeons and strikes

#5 08-16-2008 4:56 PM

Re: Beware the gypsies, pigeons and strikes

#6 05-05-2009 9:30 AM

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Beware the gypsies, pigeons and strikes