1. ALWAYS count your change
2. ABMs are called BANCOMATs and usually have a 250 Euro max.
3. In popular/crowded areas like Trevi fountain, the Rome train station, St Mark's Basilica, markets, narrow side streets etc., wear your backpack on your front. There are MANY pick pockets all over and they are very good at there profession.
4. Traffic lights and "walk signs" seem to only be "suggestions" in Italy!! Watch out for Vespas (scooters). Look very carefully before stepping off the sidewalk!!
5. Shop owners do not like food and drinks in their stores. Also, DON'T TOUCH the merchandise unless you are definitely in a souvenir shop.
6. Bottled water comes in 2 varieties: with bubbles and without.
With bubbles is know as: con gas or gassata
Without bubbles is know as: senza gas, naturale or non gassata
7. The word that looks like "pepperoni" on a list of pizza toppings isn't meat; it is peppers. Salamino piccante is the equivalent of pepperoni but may be spicier than you would find at home.
8. Ketchup and mustard aren't readily available and often you must pay extra for it.
9. "Toast" is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
10. Public washrooms, known as WC or Toilette, can be scarce and you need a few coins to use them. Toilet seats and toilet paper can be scarce, so carry small packs of Kleenex with you and some wipes.
11. Take hats off when entering a church. In the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, they are adamant about "NO TALKING"
12. If you are buying pizza at a take out place, you may be able to purchase it pre-cut. But if not, you will have to indicate the size you want by either showing with you hands or by giving a weight. It is often sold by weight in 100 gram amounts. 100 grams is approximately 1/4 lbs and is called une etto. If you want 200 grams, you would say due etto etc.
Good luck! Hope some of these help!!
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2 comments:
This question may not help anyone else, but you never know....All the women in our family (including my daughter) wear Burkenstocks, not as a fashion statement, but we suffer from Plantar fasciitis. It is very painful, and walking is sure to aggravate it. I know you don't recommend sandals, and that they are not allowed in some places, but they really are the only way to ensure her comfort, and avoid injury. Is is ok if she wears them whenever possible and carries a pair of shoes in her knapsack or purse? I didn't want to ask in front of the group and embarrass her the other night, and I know she is prepared to "put up & shut up" as it were, but I think once she realizes how much walking there is she will be glad to have them.
I think that wouldn't be a problem. The number one priority is her comfort!! If she is carrying a pair that are closed toe then she can just switch when necessary!
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