The Almighty Euro

The euro is killing me. Well, not really killing me but giving me a good swift kick in the gut. The last time I was in Italy they were still using lire…yes it was that long ago. So I’m not used to the euro and certainly not used to the exchange rate. With the euro remaining strong and kicking butt on the currency market (sorry don’t know financial jargon) I think the most expensive part of my trip is…no not the plane ticket…but the spending money.

Granted I’m not going to need a ton of money where I’m going and I don’t plan to do much travelling outside of Carpanzano but I just know I’ll come face to face with a purse I can’t say good-bye to or a pair of shoes that desperately need a home. I guess I’m just going to have to get really good on my bargaining skills. Anyone have any tips?

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LuLu

Originally from Toronto but currently living in Calabria, blogging about my life and love for all things Italian!

Nicole
September 14, 2008 at 10:13 am

The same thing happened to me, I went to France in 2000 and they were still on the franc. And then I returned this summer and they were on the euro. The dollar converted at 1.60. So I guess bargaining is your best option. I ran across a new travel site, baraaza.com
. I think you might like it.

Have fun bargaining!

Nicole
Cherrye at My Bella Vita
August 9, 2008 at 8:39 am

Yes, the restaurants down here are MUCH cheaper, so you are good there, but they will still try to get your hard earned $$ with purses and shoes!

At least it is SALE SEASON. Also, my tip for bargaining … act like you don’t really want it. This works best when I, in fact, don’t really want it! lol
farfalle1
August 9, 2008 at 8:21 am

You’ve given yourself the best tip – hone your bargaining skills. Having said that, Italy has had pretty bad inflation this year and everything costs more than it did last year (and waaaay more than it did 10 years ago!). The good news is that on Friday the dollar climbed back to 1.50 to the Euro, a .05 improvement – and you really do notice it.

Have a great trip visiting your second home. You’ll be taking your Papa with you in your heart.

I’m going in expecting that things aren’t going to be the same as they were 10 years ago. I have to get used to this new currency and exchange rate. Thank you very much for the well wishes…I will definitely be bringing my father’s spirit with me and he will be all around me throughout my trip…in the people, the buildings, the memories and the love of my family. I find great comfort in that! 🙂
Leanne
August 6, 2008 at 6:48 am

You’l be fine as it will not be so expensive where you are going. I remember when I was in Calabria for the first time we went to a little restaurant for a pizza and with porcini mushrooms it was €4…here in Rome you pay from €8-12 for one of those.
See you soon – have sent you an email!