Alternative Careers

Still wondering what you want to be when you grow up? Well, here in Florence (a.k.a. Neverland) the possibilities for exciting careers are endless. It seems that you are only limited by your imagination. I have recorded some of my favorite alternative careers in this post for you. Maybe your dream job is waiting for you below!

The most popular career in Florence, maybe in Italy, is the "umbrella guy". At the first hint of a raindrop, "umbrella guy" is out on every street corner. The umbrellas sell for 3 -5euro, which is very inexpensive. The quality may not be the best, but they will do in a pinch. It rains quite a bit here and you should carry an umbrella every day, but now and then, you do get caught in the rain. Thus, the "umbrella guy" is very handy to have around. We have bought umbrellas from these men on several occasions. The first time was in Venice. There was "umbrella guy" right in our face making two sales. Sure, my umbrella kept blowing inside out - but, I hung on the the sides and wrapped it around my head. I stayed dry. The next incident was in Florence. There was "umbrella guy" shoving two plaid umbrellas into our hands. We were dry as we toured the city. Yes, it is true , the umbrella will not close, but it served us well that day. The last time we used this service was in Rome. Within twenty minutes the handle fell off, but I clung to that metal rod all day. Thank you "umbrella guy". (It isn't raining today, so his picture will be forthcoming. The other days it was raining, I was clutching the umbrella!)

Here are some other careers that we see around the city. Some may require special training or education, others may require special equipment. They may inspire you to follow that dream you have tucked away!

Street Artist 
Numerous artists line the piazzas and in front of the Uffizi Museum in hopes that a tourist will buy their artwork. Most exhibit Italian landscapes and city scenes. Caricatures and portraits can be found too.

Living Statues
These performers are along the main streets and in front of the Uffizi Museum. They are in their designated spot every day, all day, unless it is raining. (Then they are looking for umbrella guy.)
They stand absolutely still until someone puts a coin in the box. Then the "statue" will move into a new position. Some are better then others at remaining still. This "statue" is one of the best and is in front of the Uffizi.

Eqyptian Mummies
Same idea as the living statues - the mummies stand perfectly still until a coin is put into the box. But, the mummy can only bow and then straighten up again.

Gladiator 

The gladiator is found in Rome at the colosseum and surrounding area. He poses with the tourists and asks for a donation. Some have you sit on a throne, others out a helmet on your head. 

Invisible Man
This is probably the best street performer we have seen. At first, you don't even realize he is sitting there. He whistles at the people going by and after a coin is dropped in the box. That's all he does - nothing moves, no other sounds. It is ingenious!

Balloon Man
Nothing out of the ordinary about this one. You have seen one balloon man, you have seen them all.

Street Musicians
This category has two divisions : evening and daytime musicians. The evening musicians are found near the Uffizi Museum. They seem to have a schedule with each night featuring a different performer. Classical guitar, a Native American band (who would have thought?), an opera singer, and a rock singer have been seen at this sight on a regular basis.

The daytime musicians we have seen have all been men and they come in twos.