Padova Warnings Or Dangers

Padova is an affluent Italian town and the core of the old town felt very safe. There were some rougher areas near the train station, where a number of seedy shops and gambling dens had set up, but they didn't feel threatening.

Fog in Padova is a fairly normal occurance. Not every day of course, certainly in varying thicknesses, and 'usually' in the fall. However, when it occurs, be warned, visibility can and does drop dramatically, as this picture will show.

Fog rolls in as the temperature drops, just as the sun sets, and gradually gets thicker as the night progresses. This photo was taken between 10pm-11pm, and near the end of January.

This is another photo of fog taken from our balcony, months prior to the previous picture, and taken at about 8am.

The morning fog generally dissipates very quickly afterwards, so if you have a choice, delay departure for safety sake.

From what we have been told, Padova fog, and generally speaking, fog throughout the Veneto Region is heavier and thicker than London fog, for what that may imply.

Well, back to the subject of banks in Italy. I admit I am not a big fan. People in Canada often hated the idea of walking into a bank, because banks can feel oppresive, stodgy, over whelming. Ha, try an Italian bank.

Anyway, we received a Certified Cheque from a major bank in Canada, in American funds. The Canadian Bank assurred the sender that all banks in Europe accept a Certified Cheque, because after all, it is guaranteed.

Upon presentation, the clerk frowned, shook his head, pushed it back. If we had an account at this particular branch, they would accept it, but hold it for a minimum of forty days, before depositing it to our account. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. The banker claims it takes that long for a cheque to clear. Sorry!!

If you wish to convert American currency into Euros, then be advised that the smaller neighbourhood branches will not accommodate you.

They apparently do not have the same rights to deal in foreign currency as the larger institutions do. This has something to do with insurance coverage, etc., etc.

They may be willing to exchange a hundred dollars, but no more, and expect a 4.50 euro fee, plus ten minutes of paperwork to complete.

The larger institutions will, and one we have used regularly is Banca di Roma, in the midst of the business section. Once again expect a commission to be charged, plus the usual rate of exchange.

Be prepared to show your passport and other forms of identification, and to leave your first born child as security.

If you are Canadian, even though we have very pretty money, don't hold your breath. Convert it at home.

American Express Traveler's Cheques in Padova are next to useless.

Most stores will not accept them, because, as quoted by 'every' store we attempted to cash them in, "they are too much trouble". I purposely refused to offer anything other than these cheques. I walked away from purchases because they wouldn't accept this method of payment. I offered passport, credit cards, Ontario Driver's License...every type of ID imaginable, even my Permisso, which shows my Italian address. Nope!!

We were told in no uncertain terms, "cash them at a bank"...however, the times I tried, banks were closed.

This ranges from larger restaurants, book stores, department stores, and shoe stores, all in the heart of Padova.

Granted, these were in American funds, not in Euros, but nobody ever picked one up, not once, so there is no way they knew what they were. They just didn't want to be bothered. Period.

Even Banks don't want them. They claim their insurance doesn't cover the loss if they are not honoured by American Express. A bunch of malarky. I tried various smaller banks (Padova has many), the answer was the same everywhere.

We ended up cashing them at old faithful, Banca di Roma, in the business section of Padova. This bank is one of the larger establishments in the city. They accepted them, but did charge us a commission rate of approximately 4%.

Convenient they are not. Just a word to the wise...

I remember the first evening Ma Kettle and I walked through here. We were nervous, quite unsettled. This is unknown in our part of the world.

In fact, some of the artistic attempts are very well done indeed. Some are of love, some are of hate, some scenes are political, some downright racial. The ones I like are rather comical.

We've come to the conclusion that this isn't a billboard for proclaiming their beliefs, but rather just a canvas to paint on. Nothing more...

I'm saddened to see beautiful old Porticos defaced by fools with a paint can, at least our neighbourhood artists stick to this underrail passage. We call this Graffiti Alley 1, and have a second bridge which sported graffiti until it was painted over in June. Five months it has remained graffiti clean...

This is certainly not a 'Danger' tip, but one to be aware of.

Dining in a restaurant or Trattoria often means a search for one that opens before 7pm. The posted hours on the outside of any establishment in Italy can only be considered as a suggestion, or as I say often to Ma Kettle, as a tease. They open when they open...

Restaurants begin filling up around 7:30pm, and are in full swing just after 8pm. Even if you are seated, the ovens may not be fully up to temperature, so sit back, enjoy your gassey water, and drink in the culture. Don't fret, won't help the situation.