Prego!

Wherever I travel, I try to learn a few basic words or phrases in the language of the country I’m visiting. I’m not a linguist. In fact, when it comes to foreign languages I’m “tone deaf”. Well intended, but abysmal at pronunciation. Sometimes I feel I’m causing more confusion with my poor language skills than if I didn’t try at all! In spite of my impairment, I have learned a few new words over the years. Some have even stuck with me past my travels.

My favorite word, so far, is “Prego!”

Isn’t that a great word? It can express so many different things and yet it is just an everyday word in Italy. It’s one of those words that doesn’t really translate exactly. But, it works so well in so many situations. I think the word most similar in the US is “okay”.

“Okay” can mean agreement, acknowledgment, enthusiasm or sarcasm depending on the situation. “Prego” is like that. But, “okay” seems dull compared to “Prego”. And, “Prego” seems to have more uses.

Maybe it’s that fabulous accent that goes with it. Or the ambience? After all, everything looks, tastes, and sounds better in Italian, right?  I don’t know, but I fell in love with “Prego!”

• “Thank you for helping me.”
  • “Prego!” Your welcome.
•  “Do you have tables available for lunch?”
  • “Prego!” Come in. Have a seat.
• “Look, there’s a parking space right up front.”
  • “Prego!” Outstanding.
• “I know I’m not supposed to drink cappuccino in the afternoon, but I’m dying to try one.”
  • “Prego!” Whatever. (This may or may not be accompanied with an eye roll, depending on the sincerity of the speaker!)

What is your favorite word that just works for any situation?

Is "Tourist" A Dirty Word?

The label “tourist” seems to be getting a bad rap these days. It’s become a condescending, snobby term for “been there, done that” or “I live there, I don’t need to do that”. I know I’ve been guilty of both of these scenarios, especially the second as I’m fortunate enough to live in an area with a HUGE tourist draw – Northern California.

A “tourist” cares nothing about their experience or learning about their destination, but just notching another city or site on their belt (with mandatory selfie posted to social media, of course). But, a “traveler” is more aware, savvy, or discriminating.

Really? Have we all become such global citizens? That would be nice, but I don’t think so.

Unless you are an expat, you are always going to be a tourist when visiting another country or region. And what is wrong with that?

When I visited Egypt a few years ago, one of my top “wish list” items was to ride a camel. Is that something a local would do? Not unless they are a Bedouin. But, there wasn’t a chance in heck I was going to pass up the opportunity. So what if it’s a kitschy “touristy” thing to do? It was still an awesome experience.

Are you going visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower at least once? And while there, are you not going to get a picture with the tower in the background? It’s one of the greatest engineering feats of our time. Does that make it an educational experience rather than a tourist destination?

Is hiking the Incan Trail for tourists or travelers? Unless you are a porter or tour guide, it’s doubtful that this would be part of your ordinary life as a Peruvian. Yet, every day hundreds of “tourists” trek the trail and enjoy an experience of a lifetime.

My point is we are tourists and travelers and explorers and adventurers. The joy of travel is to discover new places, understand other cultures and learn about a world outside our back yard.

It’s YOUR experience. Don’t worry about being a tourist. Ride the camel!

What's In Your Wallet?

Going to the bank or AAA to pick up traveler’s checks, for me, is a lost pleasure. I loved announcing “I’m going on vacation” to perfect strangers without actually saying anything! The purchase said it all. Plus it was always a conversation starter – When/where are you going? Who are you going with? How long?

OK – I know what you’re thinking: Do traveler’s checks even exist anymore? Well, actually yes they do. But, we now have much more convenient ways to get cash and make purchases on the road.

Debit cards are an excellent way to get cash.  ATM machines are open 24/7, they issue money in local currency, and the exchange rates are close to wholesale, much better than hotel, airport, and even local bank rates. Call your bank before you leave to notify them of your travels and ensure your PIN number will work outside the country. Also, get the phone number to call from outside the US if your card is lost or stolen.  Find out your daily limits and don’t wait until you are out of cash to go to an ATM.  They run out of money and break down in other countries, also!

For larger purchases, hotel charges, etc. consider a credit card. This cuts down on the amount of cash you’ll need and there are some purchase protections offered with some cards. If you plan to use a credit card, notify the card issuer before you travel so they will be aware that you will be making charges from another country. You can also use a credit card to get cash, but beware of surcharges.  I suggest VISA or MasterCard, as they are the most accepted. AMEX sometimes has challenges – especially with small local merchants. And Discover is not internationally accepted.

My personal MO is to take a debit card for cash and a major credit card for everything else. I hit an ATM at the airport upon arrival to for local currency. If there isn’t an ATM at the airport, I buy a minimal amount of currency at the exchange booth and find an ATM or bank later to supplement, as needed.

What’s in YOUR wallet when you travel?