Taxi Cab Confessions
There is a process for how the taxis pull up when you get to the taxi stand, pay attention so you don’t think one is taking another before you! Make sure the driver already has the meter on (not running) and do not ask how much, just look at the meter or you will be overcharged. That was a note given by Emilio, our driver to the colosseum.
“Italy is very safe, Italians will not rob you, but you do need to watch out for pickpockets, African, and Gypsies” Yes that is exactly how he said it, he did not see anything wrong with telling a car full of black people to watch out for “Africans”. Now, in this moment his comment might have seemed a bit racist, but I decided not to judge and observe for myself. His tone of voice had no malice, and he made the comment just as normal as he did when telling us to watch out for taxi drivers who quote us a price versus us paying the price on the meter. I don’t live in Italy, and I do not know this driver personally, so I decided to wait and determine if his words held any truth.
I did see people of all races panhandling, yes, many of them were brown, and many lurking in wait to take advantage of anyone not paying attention to their surroundings. I also saw many who were attempting to earn an honest tip from a donated bracelet or a free (not free) rose! Not sure about the economic situation for refugees, but I know they are not a welcome sight for many, so I will not judge those attempting to make an honest living with a small hustle. For the pickpockets, I always keep my money on my person in front, so they don’t stand a chance!
I did meet other Africans, many from Senegal, who are thriving and have been living in Italy for years, and married Italian citizens. While they did say the culture was such a difficult one to adjust to coming from Africa, and yes people can be unkind in places, they do enjoy living in Italy.
I try not to make a big deal about things that are not blatant disrespect, I always consider language, and cultural differences that make a comment or actions simply what it is, a word of advice. I wasn’t unnerved, and by the end of the trip his observations did prove true in other areas!
Would this comment have bothered you? Drop me a comment and let me know!
Nyri~The Unnerved Traveler
The Unnerved Traveler 