jimmmbobb

I was reading a post on protecting ones wallet by earlier posters. I am coming back to Italy for the first time in a long while. I am curious to know what other kinds of everyday problems people have had in Italy. I will be in Florence for a month...when out and about what dangers lie in wait for one as trusting as I?

ekscrunchy

The biggest danger is weight gain due to all of the fantastic food that awaits. I would not worry about much else, especially in Florence.

jujubinx

Do be careful of the gypsies and their children. They will rob you blind in a second. Just be firm with them when they start begging. Believe me, they work in groups. One will distract you while the other steals from you.

bobthenavigator

My best advice is to smile and remember it is their country and you are merely a guest.

nbujic

my main problem was the price of Brunello wine ( love it).

jimmmbobb

Thanks for your responses...I am quite wary of the food and plan to test a lot of different items to make sure that none is poison..

LoveItaly

Italian don't care about manners?? Really?? That is news to me. Italians are very aware of manners, lol.

LucieV

I don't know that I've met more gracious, more compassionate, more considerate people anywhere in the world. That whole "yelling" thing is stereotype combined with misunderstanding, just as it is to label Germans as curt or British as stuffy. Interestingly, many cultures that are often stereotyped for being "reserved" are those who most commonly travel in Italy.

LoveItaly

Hi LucieV, post on the posters name and read the other post. A worried traveler it appears!

alanRow

They have some pretty bad football supporters - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6327655.stm

LucieV

Either that, Love, or a provocateur.
Why? Because NObody goes to Italy who is wary of <i>food</i>!

mcnyc

Italians are good at being bad!

LucieV

Good call, mcnyc.

That has to be the reason my husband &amp; I feel so at home in Italy.

hdm

Just a caution re the terrible danger of stiff necks caused by looking up at all the gorgeous art on cathedrals. I prescribe stopping periodically for a glass of the previously-mentioned Brunello or a long, lingering visit to a nearby cafe. Doctor's orders.

LucieV

Excellent precautionary advice, hdm.

LoveItaly

And hdm, you forgot to mention..looking up at all of the beautiful and antique architect can cause one to stumble and fall as I did in Milan one trip! Danger everywhere in Italy it seems, lol!

nytraveler

Well- I think someone who is too trusting will have problems in almost every city in the world. Florence is definitely on the safer side for big cities - but there are all the usual scams everywhere. And it's up to you to be aware of/avoid them - and take proper care of your belongings.

As long as you do that you shoud have no problems.