He asked me if I had children, a man, mother, father, sisters, brothers, and I said only a father, and he seemed surprised. He gave me some good luck charms. Then he wanted money to eat, and all I had was a 20 euro bill, which he took and didn't give change. But he threw in an elephant bracelet that I like, which I'll wear on the trip in honor of my mom, who loved elephants. So, it was an expensive lesson, but not all bad. I'll get more money in the morning.

This happens in NYC too. I had it happen to me when I was wandering through a Christmas display after a doctor's appointment in Manhattan. I'm so used to it? I just walk past them, or waive them away. But it's not just a Rome or Italian thing? It's apparently a huge global city thing.

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Hmmm.. sounds like Road Scholar is more scheduled, and allows for less free time on your own?

Guessing this isn't Rome and Florence at a Slower Pace?