Unveiling the Secrets of Our Family Adventure: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly While Traveling Abroad!

As we prepare for our upcoming adventure, I thought it would be helpful to discuss some important aspects of our trip. Let's go over the good, the bad, and the ugly, so we can be well-prepared for anything that comes our way during our family journey. This information is not only valuable for personal safety but also for financial considerations and overall peace of mind.

The Metro system is one area we need to be cautious about, especially in Rome. There have been a few incidents that I want to highlight to ensure we stay vigilant and avoid any unnecessary difficulties.

The Ugly:

1. Beware of pickpockets: As seasoned travelers, we might think we're prepared for this, but these pickpockets are experts at their craft. Even with precautions in place, someone in our group got pickpocketed on our very first day in Rome. It left a sour taste in our mouths for the rest of the trip. They can easily unzip bags and take items without us noticing.
   
   
2. Overcrowded metro: The subway system can get extremely crowded, with little time to get on and off the trains. This close proximity creates an ideal environment for pickpockets to operate unnoticed.
   
   
3. Quick boarding and disembarking: The short span of time to board and leave the train can lead to some chaotic moments, which, unfortunately, caused a few bad experiences during our trip.

The Bad:

1. Incident with my son: During one rush to board the train, my son accidentally slipped between the closing doors and the platform. Thankfully, he was okay, but it was a close call that reminded us to stay cautious.
   
   
2. Pushing incident: Another time, a grown man decided not to stick to his side of the door and instead tried to push my son off the train as we were boarding. It was unnecessary and caught us off guard.
   
   
3. Elderly mother's scare: On the first day, while boarding the train, the closing doors hit my elderly mother's shoulder, causing her to stay on the platform while the rest of us were on the train. Luckily, she managed to get on the next one and we were soon reunited.

The Good:

1. Keep bags in front and within sight at all times, especially with pickpockets around.
   
   
2. If traveling in a larger group, have a couple of people block the door on both sides during boarding to avoid any unnecessary pushing.
   
   
3. Consider using locks for your bags to provide an added layer of protection.
   
   
4. Pack light and carry only the essentials. We can strategically plan our luggage use during different parts of the trip. (We kept 1/2 at our hotel to return to)

Let's ensure we're well-prepared and take these precautions seriously so that we can focus on creating wonderful memories during our family adventure. Can't wait to embark on this journey together!