Are Italy and Russia really that far apart?
Try to get on a taxi without paying attention to the taximeter and leaving the taxi driver the maximum freedom of action, more than a payment you may have to resort to a bloodletting. Where is it? In St. Petersburg as in Naples, as in Moscow, as in Genoa. The tourist is a chicken full of money that the smarter will empty his pockets better.
Think of a organized travel, flight-bus-hotel-excursions-tour guide-souvenirs. Have you ever noticed that tourist guides often advise you where to buy the presents to take home? Did you notice that the guide preceded you into the shop, stopped amiably to chat with the owner, made sure everyone shopped and left the shop last? And, by chance, after shopping and comparing prices with other shops, did you get the impression that you have spent too much? I bet yes, but whether you were in Rome, St. Petersburg, Naples or Moscow, once again, the situation would have been exactly the same.
Do we want to talk about labels? If you receive an invitation to dinner, it is a good idea to bring a gift: flowers, wine, sweets or whatever. Never refuse what you put on the table, taste everything, at the cost of bursting, so as not to offend the guest. Do you notice any differences with our customs, perhaps?
Will it be the result of globalization? Or perhaps of traditions that have their roots in ancient times? Who knows. It is certain that a double thread binds us to that population and that distances, now as then, are only a matter of geography.
How, then?
1. Don't be gullible travelers. Go on vacation, but never leave it at home critical spirit and common sense;
2. Don't be prejudiced but make sure no one can cheat you;
3. Watch out for pickpockets;
4. Listen to the advice, then evaluate what to do with your head;
5. Know conform to local customs;
6. Don't be ignorant tourists. Before leaving, read up on the places and customs.
If you follow this small vademecum, you can go anywhere without the fear of appearing rude, getting into trouble or running into unpleasant situations.
