The 60's vs. Now

Women freely walk alone in Italy. If a man were to pinch an Italian woman's bottom I think he would be slapped across the face. The men openly gawk at beautiful women but I've never witnessed any unwanted contact. I didn't do a lot of grocery shopping but from the prices on the restaurant menus I'm sure Italian buy meat freely.

As Sam says MUCH has changed in Italy - especially in the last 10-15 years. Men DO NOT whistle or act as inappropriately as they did in the past. The newer generation seems to be much more respectful of women, perhaps because now so many women are involved in the workplace, economy, and government. That was not the case in 1964!

Italian men still "openly gawk" at women, and despite living here, I am NOT ALLOWED to be part of that Italian tradition (so has decreed my wife!). But there is not the verbal harassment, etc. there was in the past! And Italian women DO LIKE the attention they get from men... and thus, some do dress in a manner that garners attention (Not that I've been looking, dear!)

As far as meat prices - meat is available but is a little pricey. Cuts of meat are far different than the US (in shape,cut, and size) - you have to adjust to that! A couple of chicken breasts would probably run in the 5-7 Euro range... Turkey is big here - Steak is a treat! Most folks DO NOT barbecue out as they do not have a patio/porch and apt complexes forbid it on balconies - You will rarely see barbecue sauce in any Italian grocery store! Hope that helps!

Ciao,
Ron

Ron, you give such good answers and advice! And I love your sense of humor :)

Yes, those were the 60's. I wish they'd set up an Epcot Center-like folk park, perhaps in an old hill town nobody's using, where they recreate the Italian life that's gone. One section on Etruscans, one on Roman life, one set in the time of Leonardo and Michelangelo, one during the days of Verdi and the creation of Italy, and one set in the early 1960's, the Italy of my childhood movies before they became so much more modern.

Ah, quite a history in that little boot!

Ah the 60's. Lived them, loved them, moved on. Gas was about 32 cents a gallon, stamps 4 cents, gallon of milk maybe 50. As prices change so do attitudes. as an older single female traveler who traveled to Rome in 06 I found the Italian males to gracious, helpful and courteous men. Walked solo at night, no fear, no problems. hell I'd rather walk solo in Rome, London, NYC, or Istanbul after dark than downtown LA and I live here.

I've heard that there are still some small rural villages where it's unusual for a women to go anywhere alone (in Sicily, esp.), but you would have to actively seek that out to find it.

I always travel alone, and you still do need to be careful when walking alone. In Rome 2005, I was walking around and a man was following me talking to me in Italian, and then English. He was telling me I'm beautiful, and would like to take me out for coffee.
I kept walking with no eye contact. I wasn't afraid because this was such a public area. He didn't pinch me or anything, but he did follow me, and he did give up.
Use common sense, and you'll be fine.
Happy Travels,
Lisa

I think in the 60's people around the world were more respectful than nowadays.
Speaking of women not walking alone, I don't believe it's true. I walked alone in Rome just last year when it was dark and saw other women alone. Well, I guess there are more "dangerous" cities like Palermo. I only read about their problemos, never been there.

We enjoyed grocery shopping in Rome (had an apartment) and I can tell you that chicken was not that expensive. We ate heartily and enjoyed any and everything in the grocery store. Sometimes (even with the exchange) I found better quality foods for about the same we pay here or even less.

I lived in Italy for several years (late 60's-eary 70's). Some pinching going on then but times have changed. I go back often and there will be no problems for a women walking alone. Pasta is basically eaten with every meal but only as a side dish. Food will be cheaper in Italy unless you are trying to buy an American brand.