Saturday, March 08, 2008

Road to Rome





























Truly, Rome and Italy doesn't get enough respect, they're being overshadowed by Paris and France. It is a different ambiance in Rome and Italy. I don't play favorites, I try to give equal opportunity to all places in the world but the last 3 years I've been to more places in Italy than France. I don't know why, it just happened. After next week, I'll be back in Rome again for the third time. I was looking at old photos and scanning them into my computer. I love printers that act also as a scanner, what I don't have uploaded into my computer can be scanned and stored and used just the same. I do archive all my photos in CD's and as prints.
I'm less intimidated by Rome these days, the first time there was horrible, I was so scared because of stories of pickpockets. Not that they are not there anymore but I'm more able to fend them off. it's always good, when abroad, to be wary of your surroundings, hang on tight to your belongings, be suspicious of everyone. After using your ATM cards and credit cards, put them away first before proceeding anywhere. Always wear a money belt, especially in Italy, I'm more relaxed in France but not careless. These thieves, their job is to prey on unsuspecting tourists, make it hard on them so they'll find other easier targets. I'm not afraid to show my anger and displeasure at people whom I suspect to be unsavory characters. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I've seen empty wallets thrown out onto streets and empty handbags and I know there are victims out there.
With this in mind, continue to enjoy your trip, your pasta, coffee, gelato and whatever else Italy has to offer.







2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Anne,

I always love reading your blog about Sicily. Very insightful. It's true in Rome one needs to be careful. It isn't only the Romans but possibly other ethnic groups, which I found to be true even in Paris. I'm reading more of your blogs nowadays...it brings back many memories. I like some of your photos too. talk to you soon and don't let your work get you down. I know it can get stressful at times.
Ciao, Bob Di Santo

annechung said...

Thanks for the kind words. Of course, I know who the perpetrators are. These kind of crime happens all over the world. I have a Chinese friend who told me that even living on the 6th floor in China, they have to have metal grills over the windows because thieves can climb that high.
Anne