the best way to travel to italy

[gilleshk]

That's hilarious. You "don't have to give anything" in North America!

What a load of bolloxs.

I recall vividly the waitress in Breckenridge, who I did not tip after she spilled hot soup all over me and barely apologised, nor offered me a cloth or anything ... who then blocked the door to try and prevent me from leaving until I paid her.

Various locals also made sure I understood, particularly in dodgy areas, that tipping taxi drivers was essential to ensure they did not drive off with my luggage in the boot or drop me off in the wrong place!

If you are stupid enough to be intimidated, it's your fault. Guess they can spot an easy mark. A quick call to the police would suffice...This is illegal behavior and about as common as carjacking or being mugged.

[MovingIn07]

In answer to the two questions - no, I didn't pay her. We had a screaming match in the doorway. I eventually pushed past her. Lovely lunch. Really want to repeat the experience.

[gilleshk]

In the waitress version of the story, it's probably a demanding, cheap snobby brit that expected to be served on her hands and knees using proper english.

The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle

[MovingIn07]

The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle

In the middle of the soup that was all over me, the table and the floor, perhaps?