Recently, we went to see the Trevi Fountain. My friends and I all threw coins in the fountain in hopes of our wishes to come true! We all took group photos one after the other and even sat on the edge of the fountain in order to capture the water behind us. After a series of photos being taken, my friend Kacie announces that she is sick of the poses we have been doing at all the attractions and demands we try something different. Being the crazy dare-devil that I am, I decide to stand on the outside of the masterpiece and wrapped my arms around Judith and Kacie for a “different photo.” As this was taking place, I could feel a hard stare while I was posing- and not in a good way.
Eeeeeeeep! All of a sudden, a guard dressed in a navy suit and brass buttons charges for me and my friends clear the way to make room as he blew his whistle. I quickly hopped down and tried not to slip on the damp surface. In shear panic and my hair in pigtail-braids, I knew my best option would be to play little girl since my height matched the look.
“I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m sorry,” I quickly said.
Then, in a voice similar to Arnold Schwarzenegger, he interrupts, “NO! You not sorry! You pay 500 euro for this. This art. You don’t get. This not Disney World! You ok.”
With no time to respond I quickly bolted and realized that he pretty much took back the fine I thought I had been charged. Kacie and I switched sunglasses, I untied my shirt, and threw my braids in a ponytail. The only reaction I had was to listen to Kacie, change my look, and get lost in the crowd. Before I knew it, Kacie and I saw our group all huddled together around Cinzia and I mouth to the group, “NO ONE SAY A WORD.” When they all understood, we were on our way to the next attraction. Still shaking inside I look at Kacie to say thank you, and she is already instagramming the photo and turns to me, “totally worth it.”
By: Annie Bloomston