Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Volunteering
Concordia International Volunteer Projects
(
www.concordiavolunteers.org.uk
) Short-term community-based projects
covering the environment, archaeology and the arts. You might find yourself working as a volunteer on a restoration
project or in a nature reserve.
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
(
www.wwoof.it
) For a membership fee of €25 this organisation
provides a list of farms looking for volunteer workers.
Women Travellers
The most common source of discomfort for solo women travellers in southern Italy is harassment. Local men are rarely
shy about staring at women and this can be disconcerting, especially if the staring is accompanied by the occasional
'ciao bella'.
In many places, local Lotharios will try it on with exasperating insistence, which can be flattering or a pain.
Foreign women are particular objects of male attention. Usually, the best response to undesired advances is to ignore
them. If that doesn't work, politely tell your interlocutors you're waiting for your
marito
(husband) or
fidanzato
(boy-
friend) and, if necessary, walk away. Avoid becoming aggressive as this may result in an unpleasant confrontation. If all
else fails, approach the nearest member of the police.
Watch out for men with wandering hands on crowded buses. Either keep your back to the wall or make a loud fuss if
someone starts fondling your behind. A loud
'Che schifo!'
(How disgusting!) will usually do the trick. If a more serious
incident occurs, report it to the police, who are then required to press charges.
