I’ve traveled to new places a few times and gained a few funny and memorable stories, here’s one that happened in Rome.
I was with a companion when we arrived on a sunny morning, I had to withdraw money from an ATM machine while my friend waited a few steps away. I’ve learned from googling to always be aware of my surroundings when traveling, don’t talk to strangers, be sure bags are in check, you know, the usual. After I finished getting money from the machine I saw my friend talking to someone in a car. Initially I thought it was someone she knew but when I got closer I realised he (the person in the car) wasn’t and he was actually welcoming her to Rome! First thought, stranger danger! I’ve read the usual scams in Europe and this sounded like a big alarm but I decided to go along. The guy went on to ask where we’re from, how many days we’re staying, he was actually being charming truth be told, and then he offered us wristwatches! They weren’t Gucci or something but who does that?! Wouldn’t anyone in their right mind find that odd?? And me being such a noob kept on standing outside his car (with my arm outstretched, mind you, libre eh LOL) still in disbelief, when he went on to say the following words, “if you could actually do me a favour…” Alarm bells (again)!! He proceeds to say that he doesn’t have enough petrol and in exchange of the wristwatches he’d accept EUR20! Scam!! I immediately dropped the watch, turned around and walked away. Fast.
Lesson learned, it’s ok to be friendly but follow your instincts.
it begins with a step 