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Re: European tuba tour?

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 9:23 am
by dopey
I've known a couple folks be pick pocketed here. I'd certainly keep your passport and other items you don't *need* while out and about somewhere secure. I would not carry them all in anykind of bag that could be taken. I also always kept a photocopy of them in a second location just incase. Fortunately never had to deal with a lost passport while abroad.

Personally i've never had an issue being pick pocketed . Either when initially here for work or since living(and traveling in Europe). However, I tend to keep my wallet in my coat pocket or backpack and ensure I always have it connected to me somehow.

If you have a Credit/Debit card which has Chip+Pin that will be the easiest to use across Europe. If your card(s) do not have chip+pin be prepared to show you're ID allot, and some awkwardness. Some cab drives/cashiers will be confused when you can't use chip+pin as it's not common to need to swipe+sign cards here:). Also cash is far less common to be used.

And last random unsolicited advice. In some countries(Sweden for example) there is two types of cabs. 'Official' ones and 'black cabs'. Be mindful when using cabs. At an airport use the scheduled location and if in doubt ask. Otherwise, try to identify the local companies and use those cabs. (Often a smart phone app you can download to order the cab). In Sweden cabs must show their rate/fare on the window. A normal cab may be 325kr rate while black cabs can be upwards of 3,000kr rate -- Yes that extreme. I had colleagues make this mistake. That said, you can haggle with a black cab for a fixed cost in cash.. but for a tourist, I wouldn't recommend it.. Stick to official cabs:)

If by some chance you make it by Stockholm feel free to reach out. I'm not the greatest tour guide but can probably suggest a few sites worth seeing, it is a gorgeous city.

Re: European tuba tour?

Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2019 9:22 pm
by royjohn
Well, everyone must investigate the current situation and do as they see fit. I bought something very similar to this:
"Shacke Hidden Travel Belt Wallet w/RFID Blocker" on amazon for my last trip to Italy, since I was going to be in metro Naples.
From what I read, Naples is notorious for pickpockets and the fabled Italian traffic. I stayed out of the traffic mostly, just picked up a car at the airport and drove out on the Autostrada. Mostly stayed out of Rome, too. I didn't find the driving or the drivers on the Autostrada much trouble once you get used to how quickly they pull back in when passing you and how there are guys speeding in the left lane out of whose way you should quickly get...I used GPS, but found I could mostly use the signs as they are pretty logical if you know what the next town is that you're going to.

As far as crime, my understanding is that there is less violent crime in Italy and most of Europe, but more pickpocketing and maybe still some oaffish Italian males pinching women. I was alone on my last trip, so I didn't encounter them as we did on the bus near Florence 15 years ago when my 17 y/o daughter was gropped and elbowed the guy...she was afraid to tell me for fear of what I'd do, but she handled herself well.

I carried copies as well as originals of my passport and International Driver's License, which you can get at AAA and should have (~$27 for a year). I carried cash in my front pocket for convenience, but carried the wallet (which had a belt loop) fastened to my belt and then put down inside my pants between my pants and my tighty whites (TMI, I know). The bulk of my cash plus whatever other valuables I was carrying went there, as did my credit cards. So if my pocket was picked, I was only out $100 or so.

I never did have any trouble with any crime at all. Last year's trip was cop-free, but on the trip in 2016 I got stopped about six times, but the cops were always very nice and as soon as I spoke English they said "Oh, English" [did they think I was British?] and waved me on. It is important to know some of the Italian signage, esp. the signs that tell you not to go into certain parts of the cities (centro storico), because sometimes a camera will take your car's picture and you (or the rental car company) will get a ticket in the mail which you will be responsible for. Just google and you'll find sites to explain driving in Italy and Europe in general. Outside of Naples and Rome traffic, the only place I drove that was pretty scarey (but was the only way to get where I was going) was the Amalfi Coast Highway, very narrow with Italians passing with almost no visibility. An oncoming tour bus making a wide curve almost took me out on that road, but we both stopped in time. The scenery for your passsengers is breathtaking, however. Take a bus along it if you go, if you can. Hope some of this is helpful...

Re: European tuba tour?

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 1:35 am
by Ace
Mark Finley wrote:In a couple of years my wife and I may be in a position to visit Europe. I would like to tour at least one of the major factories if possible (cerveny, miraphone, ect)

If you could do one, which one would you pick and why?
Good choices. I've owned several Mirafones and Cervenys and would like to see them being built. Unless I am mistaken, the Cerveny rotor valve instruments are built in a factory east of Prague, quite a distance (about a three hour drive) from the Amati factory near the German border.

Ace

Re: European tuba tour?

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 2:16 am
by bort
Regarding pickpockets, Mark, the good news is that you are like 9 feet tall, and nobody is going to mess with you. Even if you did put your wallet in your back pocket, it would be at eye level to everyone around you. Pickpockets don't want to reach UP to get to a wallet.

Or something like that. :)

I've been to Europe a handful of times, and never felt unsafe where I was. Maybe a little weirded out by the gypsies flying a sign in Venice and Berlin... but never any trouble. I know there are good and bad parts of any city though. If you can handle a trip to New York City, you should be just fine.

My best advice for traveling in Europe... don't wear an American flag T-shirt, and don't ask for ice in your drink. Even a halfass effort to communicate in the local language (and not force them to speak English) seems appreciated.

Re: European tuba tour?

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 10:22 am
by bort
So, to be clear, I haven't really gone to any "bad" places in Europe. For example, Leipzig isnt necessarily known for its violent gangs.

And remember Joe, I grew up on the mean streets of Baltimore. I ain't scurred... or, more like, I know how to avoid and not go places...