Re: [Harp-L] Goin' to Italy



Italy is a great country. One of my favorites. Some of the most gracious people on earth. If you remember that you are a guest in their country, they will treat you like one.

They really appreciate it if you try to use the language. Just knowing the common greetings goes a long way.

I've also traveled in Spain, Germany, England and Switzerland.

I've worn jeans everywhere. You would be surprised how common denim is in Europe these days. Black is always a safe color.

I'm sorry Dave, but nothing screams American like a Dockers lable. Kaki is ok.

Bottom line is dress like the locals and always look like you know where you are going even if you don't.

I have never had any problems in Europe. Great place. Just remember that big cities have many things in common all over the world and that includes crime.

I keep the wallet and cash in front pockets or in a pants pocket with Velcro flap. I try not to carry a pack. Keep camera's out of site until you are ready to shoot.

Most important of all? No gussing!!!

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 31, 2008, at 10:51 AM, David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


Hey Bob, one more thought, you can get one of those belts with a zipper and pocket on the inside of the belt. That's where I kept my cash. I actually got mugged by a half-dozen guys in Budapest (in the Pest section) Hungary, and walked away with all my money (about $300) because it was inside the zippered belt. That, and I had a silver tongue. I traveled in Europe for three months alone, I've got a lot of experience in this department.


Watch people looking over your shoulder when you pull out your wallet or card or something. I had to keep a very close eye, and doing so, whenever somebody was about to pull something in Europe, which was often, I'd turn around, get in their face and yell something like, "Hey buddy, somebody looks at me like that back home on Elk River, they either wanted to play mumbley pegs or get their a$ $ whooped! You know how to play mumbley pegs?"
Being assertive is key. The prowlers look for easy prey. Everybody who tried to rob me in Europe, was looking for easy prey, even the muggers in Budapest. I was not easy prey. They never got me.
If you are standing around and need to set your backpack or whatever down, put it between your feet or if you are sitting, put the strap around your foot. You should always be tethered to your property.
Another thing, avoid overly-friendly strangers. Especially if they can speak more than two languages fluently, con men are usually completely fluent in french and English. Dress conservatively, don't wear anything that says "hey, I'm a goofy American tourist, I have money for the taking!" No jeans, no shorts, wear button-up shirts and some comfortable pants, like some dockers or something, never jeans. All my experience with robbery and whatnot was in the first month. I adapted. I bought one of those wool Austrian coats without a collar, wore black pants like I mentioned above and this hat I got in Austria. Seriously, after I started dressing like an Austrian, I had zero problems for the remaining two months.



Dave ___________________ Dave Payne Sr. Elk River Harmonicas www.elkriverharmonicas.com

Dave
 ______________________________
Dave Payne Sr.
 Elk River Harmonicas
 www.elkriverharmonicas.com


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