one week.
"emma, don't talk to any strangers. none at all." - hunter. since i don't speak italian, this should be easy.
"emma, don't ever leave your drink unattended. they could slip you drugs." - mom. maybe i just won't drink at all...?
"emma, if something bad happens to you, i just don't know what i'm going to do." - mom. i'm going to be fine, i promise.
"emma, who are you going with? do you know them? have you seen the movie 'taken'?" - hunter. don't remind me, please.
"emma, please see the pantheon for me. nothing else matters, you just have to see the pantheon." - aenon. that is totally on my list of priorities. right under food and italian men.
"emma, you must watch out for the gypsies. they will try to steal everything from you." - grandma. i thought gypsies only existed in the disney notre dame movie?
"emma, never carry your passport on you. the gypsies will steal it." - grandma. why would quasimoto's friend esmerelda want to steal my passport?
"emma, do not take a nice bag with you because the gypsies will target you and try to steal it." - grandma. i am the gypsies dream come true.
"emma, that bag looks so cheap." - mom. isn't that the point?
"emma, you need to be so careful." -mom. pray for my mother's reassurance, not my safety.
"emma, are these people lds? not like that even matters..." - mom. let's assume that people of our same faith share our same values, shall we?
"emma, you need travelers checks." - dad. okay, as if i even know what that even means.
"emma, let's be honest, you will probably come home with an italian lover." -my missionary. not likely, but only because i heard italian men have really bad hygiene.
"emma, we need to go to the container store so i can buy you something to hold your money and valuables underneath your clothing." -mom. sounds super attractive.
"emma, do you want to borrow my marc jacobs fanny pack?"- aenon. i would rather not but thanks for the offer.
wish me luck.
4 comments:
omgosh, that made me laugh out loud!! when i was reading it, the "emma" was said in a very stern way...just how i say it when i address you sometimes...you will have a great time. i am jealous. and "emma, make sure you have FUN!!!" mom
Emma you will be fine.
Get a money belt (it either goes around your waist or hangs from a long strap around your neck) to keep valuable items and large bills under your clothes. REI has them. I would advise against a fanny pack since they're easy to pick pocket. Nice bags are fine, just keep any bag inaccessible to pick pockets. Yes, gypsies are real, just use the same common sense you would use around panhandlers. Traveler's checks aren't necessary, just use your ATM card for cash-- even with the fee it'll be a better currency rate than exchanging dollars at a bank.
The overwhelming majority of Italians are friendly, expressive, helpful, and will appreciate your business. The most important words to learn in any foreign language: "Please," "thank you," "do you speak English," "where is the bathroom."
Honestly the worst that's even remotely possible is stuff getting stolen, which usually happens to people who don't take simple preventative measures. Beyond that, you'll be safe, you'll have a good time, and you'll come back with amazing pictures and stories. I'm very excited for you.
this is hilarious! thank you. i hope you have a wonderful time... which i know you will. can't wait to see pics.
it is true...the gypsies are real. but i have only seen them around the real notre dame. you are going to have an amazing time, girl! make sure you hand your camera off to other people so that you get pictures of YOU in all the cool places you go to. and dont take your passport anywhere with you. the only place you will ever need it is at the airport. i am excited to hear about your adventure...you are going to love it!
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