Women’s Survival Guide for a Foreign Affair

Somewhere in the not so deep recesses of a woman’s mind, there lies the fantasy of a handsome, foreign man with a sexy accent, a flair for fashion and passion for the art of amore. Young women flock to countries like Italy, Spain and Greece for a cultural experience that includes the hope of luring some of that Mediterranean machismo their way. With this in mind, a girl needs a few guidelines to navigate her way through such a foreign affair.

But what exactly do you need to know? There are a few basics to consider if you want to survive with your heart intact and memories that will last a lifetime.

Destination: Europe. Europe seems to be the land of the Knight in Shining Armor; the fantasy land that has led every little girl to dream of the day when her Prince Charming arrives on a white stallion, gets down on bended knee and professes (with an accent) undying love and allegiance to his fair princess. There is a slight problem , though, if the little girl is American�..we have no princes. In fact, princes are not allowed to exist according to the words of our founding fathers. What to do? Go to Europe.

Free Yourself, but beware. Travel is a wonderful experience because it allows you to be anyone you want to be; to be free from being who you are and try on a new personalityâÂ?¦.one you often don’t know you have. However it works both ways. If you are visiting a big tourist town, the men are usually scoping you out for an adventure of their own. So, beware. European men are skilled storytellers and they have had much practice. Chances are you are not the first tourist-girl he’s chatted up; especially if he speaks English.

Pinocchio was born in Italy for a reason. You may be spending a charming evening with Francesco the pilot, only later to find out that he’s Francesco the fruit vendor whose married with a baby at home. And home includes mom and dad, grandma and grandpa and various members of the extended family. If you are lucky, you won’t find out and you’ll go home dreaming of your Italian pilot who kissed you under the stars on the Ponte Rialto. You’ll have pictures to keep the moments alive and remind yourself that it wasn’t just a dream. He’ll keep your number and promise to callâÂ?¦and it will fade away, a fantasy having been fulfilled. The point is, there is a big difference between what is real and what is not. So, go for the fantasy, but never lose sight of the reality. That being, European men are charming, but their definition of truth may be different than yours. Its part of life for them, the art of being attractive and desired; the skill of conquering the heart and body of a woman. The art of l’amore. Know this beforehand and you can save yourself some serious heartbreak when you return to your real worldâÂ?¦.without your prince.

Money, Money, Money. Thanks to the Euro it is unlikely that your potential prince will be living in a castle. For example, in Italy, the price of everything essentially doubled in 2002 when the lire was replaced. Combine that with rampant unemployment and a charming cultural refusal to place work above family life, its unlikely that your prince values making money more than you. His mentality is one of working to live, not living to work. Therefore, easily achieved money is a win for him, and unfortunately, many times that could include your money. Not to insult all European men, but once they find out you are American, you will become prime real estate on two levels. First, it is a big boost to the ego of a European Playboy to land an American woman. Second, they will assume you are rich and you may become much more attractive to them. So, keep your financial information to yourself and if your potential prince doesn’t offer to pay for your drink, run.

Football. This is a no-brainer. Men love sports; testosterone-laden battles to be fought and won for honor. In Europe its soccer. If you want to impress your prince, call it “football” as its known in the rest of the world and watch a game or two. Life is much simpler there; food, love and football. Its easy.

Passion. To quote a line from the film Under the Tuscan Sun, “you have beautiful eyes, I wish I could swim in them.” Yes, they do speak like that.âÂ?¦..because it works. But mostly, its because they love “love”, regardless of how fleeting it may be.

So ladies, travel with your heart and eyes open, but don’t be naive. You might not find a prince, but you will grow in ways unimaginable. Immersing yourself in another culture is life-changing. In two weeks, my prince arrives from Italy. Who knew.