GYPSIES, CRABS and THIEVES

I have to admit- I borrowed that title from a very witty guy whose blog I was reading earlier. He was sharing his experiences being accosted by gypsies while traveling in Italy. If it wasn't so true (and constant) it would be pretty funny. One of my new particular "favorites" is the guy who got in my face the other morning when we had just started the day out and bellowed at me, "SENOR! YOUR CHANGE--- PLEASE" in a very demanding and expecting way with his hand in my face. I just kept walking- and was thinking, gosh I kind of thought that I WAS gonna use that change today, I didn't realize it was his! Another particular favorite is when you're eating at a restaurant outside and they come by with the cup, and if you continue to ignore them, they start to shake it in your face rattling the coins they have inside. And now I'm talkin really YOUNG, healthy, perfectly able young people- they are the ones who are most aggressive. Then, just when its time to get a break from them, there's the guys with the roses in your face- tonight, sitting at an outdoor cafe with Carol I was telling her that the part about Italy that is getting to me, is the CONSTANT harassment by all different types of people; the gypsies, the Africans selling the illegal watches, and that you have to keep your guard up at ALL times- and if you let it down for even a SECOND they'll get you- just then a rose (I kid you not) appeared in my face and there was a guy an inch from me, pushing the flower at me, "SENOR- FOR THE SENIORITA!!" ' No thanks", OH BUT SENOR! "NO".--- he moves onto the next table adding joy and delight to their evening at an outdoor cafe-

But just remember- I'm not bitter.