09-02-2014, 11:57 PM
Black wrote:
I haven't been to Rome, but I've been to Florence and Venice--- in both cases I found it hard to connect with local culture-- your tourist role was pretty heavily defined for you.
In pretty much all the places I've traveled (including Florence and Venice), I've made a conscious effort to dress somewhat similarly to the locals (with some obvious exceptions in places with exotic dress), learn enough of the language to be able to ask simple questions and exchange pleasantries, not spend all my time at the major tourist spots, and to try to talk to my neighbors in cafes, bars, etc. When I've followed these guidelines I've found it fairly easy to make friends with local people. I can't think of anywhere that this hasn't been effective.