Cindy

I've always heard that women traveling in Europe get their bottoms pinched by the local guys. Is this really true? I'm traveling with a couple of girlfriends through Italy soon, and wonder if anyone has advice or strategies to keep this sort of unwanted attention to a minimum. Just being looked at on the street doesn't bother me, and I don't want to have to stop dressing sexily, but I'd rather not come back to my boyfriend having to explain various bruises!

Skank

Cindy, <BR> <BR>Bottom-pinching is sooooo 90s. It is simply not done anymore. Now, the fellas just hand out hickeys on the bus.

Al Godon

Wear a girdle and carry an umbrella with a good stout metal tip. If some bloke pinches you, jab him in the ribs with the umbrella. The girdle will prevent someone being able to get a good nip in.

nancy

Boy, <BR>this is the reason I am planning a 50th B-day trip to Italy with some of my women friends. <BR>I want to be somewhere where they may want to pinch my (cute) but older <BR> bottom! <BR>but, I realize this is a legit concern for some, so I would follow Al's advice, <BR>esp. the umbrella. <BR>I think the girdle may be too uncomfortable in the heat :0 <BR>

ifitlookslikea

Avoid your usual haunts like biker bars and topless clubs.

TH

Dress "sexily"...perhaps you're going to get what you're advertising for!

erk

Cindy, don't listen to them...you dress as sexily as you please.

Gigi

I didn't dress any differently than I usually do and boy, did Roberto chase me around that lighting shop. I have to admit at thirty-something, I did have a good laugh. Whew, what charm... <BR> <BR>Nancy, if you promise to give Guy back to me, I will give you the address of that shop in Roma!

pam

My recently widowed mother and I spent a week in Italy in early March. I mentioned to her that it was possible we might get "unwanted attention from males." Actually I said, "Mom, you might get pinched." She said, wistfully, 'Oh, that would be nice.' Unfortunately, it did not happen. She was disappointed; I was hurt. Oh well.

Capo

Just got back from Rome a month ago and stainless-steel skirts are all the rage there. <BR> <BR>Now I guess I know why. :~) <BR> <BR>In all seriousness, we were there for ten days and my girlfriend never got her bottom pinched. Or, if she did, at least she never mentioned it to me.

Bruce

Well! I personally hope that come big old hunky Italian does pinch my bottom! Maybe after that we can back and redecorate his flat...sort of move the furniture around in the bedroom if you get my drift......

pretty1

have a rotten looking ass.

nancy

Gigi, <BR>It's a deal! <BR>I could use the exercise, and also another Roberto in my life, (besides my son named Robert) would be a welcome diversion at this point. <BR>So, I have 9 days in rome. <BR>Where is Roberto? <BR>

Roberto

c'monnnnn....admittit youz uptight Americano ladies. <BR>youz secretly wanna be wit me. <BR>whya youz play play harda to get? <BR>I stilla gotta lumps inna my chest from Al's wife. <BR> <BR>

Shanna

Uh . . . we're supposed to **avoid** this?

nancy

Shanna, <BR>At times posts like this *are* silly, , not travel related, but are a pleasant diversion. <BR>Better this type of posting than more of the type that were so prevalent a few days ago!! <BR>

Capo

And why is only guys that seem to do this anyway? <BR> <BR>Where are the women -- in Europe or elsewhere -- who pinch men's derrieres? I'll be on the next flight. :~)

s.fowler

Don't tempt me Capo <BR> <BR>I got pinched in Rome on my first trip back in 1962. I was wearing one of those panty girdles so he didn't have much luck. That was also the day of garter belts for stocking. I had this guy following me around and pointing to my ankles. Took me a while, but turns out my stickings had *drooped* -- so thoughtful -- these Italian men

s.fowler

Make that stOckings. SHEESH. Although it was hot and they were sticking

Judy

Hello All, is Istanbul in Europe?( I know it is) I had my bottom pinched in the Grand Bazarr there. I was incensed of course; I am PC! But in my woman's heart, I WAS THRILLED! There I said it, now SUE me, or take me off the NOW list! It was only one time, and I can go into old age with a smile on my face! I just wish I could have seen HIS face &lt;g&gt;. I hope he wasn't googily looking...oh well, <BR>Cindy, I would not worry too much about this, and if it happens: just close your eyes, and think of England! <BR>Judy ;-)