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Tips for Solo Female Travel in Italy

It is not easy being a solo female traveler, especially in India. There are many cultural and societal issues attached to it which I don’t want to get into. So I know there are many women who would find this post on “Tips for Solo Female Travel in Italy” necessary and befitting. I hope this post gives a much needed push to women to be comfortable traveling alone! 

A little backstory-  my first solo trip in Italy was not only my first solo trip outside of my country but also MY VERY FIRST solo trip! I learnt many things on the road that I wanted to pass on as a handy list of tips. What also worked in my favori was having an open minded and supportive family. I most often faced the concern of “safety” more than the concern of “approval”.

My family stood like a backbone, supporting me for my solo trips to Italy. So before you say it was easy for me, I will agree, it was. But here’s how I help you….You never know sometimes all one needs is a push. By that I don’t mean going against your family’s wishes but standing up for what you want and what you believe in. If traveling solo is what you want, do not overthink. Just dive in! But YOU need to be convinced yourself first! Once that is figured, prepare your family for it, read my tips on enjoying solo travel and keep yourself safe! 😉 Remember it’s not always Instagram pictures and coffee in the sunshine but there are many ups and downs with travel, so be brave and embrace it!

Tips for Solo Female Travel in Italy

Around me, there are women who travel alone, who want to travel alone and many women who admire others for doing it. When I first thought of traveling to Italy alone, I was nervous and excited. I remember that feeling so well because I really wanted to do it. I had set my heart and mind on it and had a lot of support from family and friends. After reading a lot of blogs ofother women who had been traveled solo for years, I took my first plunge in 2015! So here are my 2 cents -10 Important tips for solo female travel in Italy (or anywhere else!).

1. Stay Vigilant Around Train Stations:

First things first is You. Then your belongings! Keep yourself together because one look away from your bag might turn to be very expensive or dangerous to you. If there is anywhere I have felt unsafe in Italy it has been those small town train stations where there is no soul in sight but that one stranger eyeing your bag.

2. Say Hello to Morning/Afternoon flights:

Take flight that lands in morning or afternoon because when you are in a foreign land (where you also don’t speak the local language) you should be reaching your accommodation at a reasonable time and preferably before it’s too dark.

3. Never have all Cash and Card in One Place:

I know you have read this countless times before but this is 100% true. Please don’t make this mistake! Spread your cash and cards in different pouches, bags, inside socks, packets etc. Don’t carry it all with you either!

4. Try a Group Tour:

Feeling lonely and in the need for company?? Book a cooking class or dine in a local’s home like I did. It not only helps in making more friends but also drives away that loneliness!

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Me in Trastevere, Rome

FB_IMG_1516464357027Pizza Making Class in Rome

5. Know the Cost of a Taxi:

Stuck somewhere?? Do your research from home. If possible take a taxi from outside the airport/train stations. But please make sure you research online beforehand because people can rip you off!I highly recommend downloading the Trenit App on your phone to check cost of train in Italy.

6. Save Numbers of your Country’s Embassy:

Keep numbers of your country’s Embassy handy. I have the number of the Indian Embassy in Rome saved in my phone. In case of an emergency, this is not only useful but also calms you down to see your people in a foreign land. Also, make sure you have copies of your Passport and Visa with you (just in case).

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Strike a Conversation with locals

7. Strike Conversations with Locals but Be Aware:

Even if it is just a Grazie (Thank you) or a Buongiorno (Good Morning) you will be surprised how friendly locals are in Italy. They can really go out of the way to help you and obviously knowing Italian helps. Trust me, there is so much kindness in the world, and Italy reminds me that every single time. If you feel there is catcalling or over friendliness on the street, just politely say, no grazie (no, thank you) and walk away swiftly!

8. Keep in Touch with Family:

I know solo travel gets lonely at times, especially early evenings (for me) so stay in touch with family and friends. Let them know where you are, send a picture of yourself, they are waiting to hear from you!

9. Look Confident:

Give the impression that you know things. This helps to avoid people to come near you in the first place.

Common sense and gut have been my strongest suits when traveling alone!

    • Female solo travel tips for Italy

      Look Confident

Lastly….

10. Enjoy Eating Alone:

Do you think dining alone is awkward?? I do too! I have felt nervous and judged about eating alone but I sort of winged it over the years. Want to know how?? By being comfortable in my skin. Yes, I simply carried a book and a pair of headphones when dining alone. Never in Italy have I felt that I should be treated differently because I am alone. Of course the occasional stare happens in ANY country, but because I was alone, I ended up chatting with a lot of people!

Remember it’s baby steps to everything! You can’t be a pro at traveling alone after one trip. So give yourself time to get accustomed to it. Research research research. Read a lot of blogs before going anywhere. Talk to people who’ve done it. Drop a comment on this post to tell me how I can help:)

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Are you ready??

Conclusion:

While writing this post, I saw myself featured on Texas Mom In Torino’s Blog where she says “I don’t know anyone who is as brave as you are to travel solo“. I am deeply touched and flattered because I never thought I could be featured in a blog post concerning solo female travel.For those of you out there looking for that one ray of hope and inspiration, start NOW. 

Traveling alone in Italy has been the most exhilarating experiences of my life! I can’t wait to do it again! Happy Traveling Ladies!!

Further Reading:

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Tell me about a time you traveled solo??

76 Comments

  • […] Solo Female Travel Tips to Italy […]

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  • […] Tips for Solo Female Travel in Italy […]

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  • […] Tips for Solo Female Travel in Italy […]

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  • […] Tips for Solo Female Travel in Italy […]

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  • jackline
    August 27, 2019 at 4:46 pm

    I appreciate your sharing, I must say that your shared information is very useful for me because I also have a plan to go there in coming up days. I hope so that it will b a really greet time for us.

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      August 29, 2019 at 11:35 am

      Hope so too. Thank you for reading 🙂 safe travels

      Reply
  • Morgan Teresa
    July 17, 2018 at 6:27 pm

    Italy is awesome country. Great place for traveling, roaming. You share the tips are really helpful for solo female traveler. Awesome information you share on this blog. Great Blog!

    Reply
    • Italophilia
      July 19, 2018 at 4:39 pm

      Thanks so much Morgan!! Happy you agree with these tips.

      Reply
  • Savannah Lyons
    July 11, 2018 at 9:26 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing these tips! I think more ladies should travel solo, at least once, and these tips totally would make it easier for any adventure-seeking newbie! I am so in love with Italy and can’t wait be back next month! Reading this also made me much more romesick! I can’t wait to touch down in Italy!

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    • Italophilia
      July 12, 2018 at 5:54 pm

      Very true Savannah 🙂 I am Rome sick too 😉 Happy travel planning.

      Reply
  • Danielle Marie
    May 30, 2018 at 4:52 am

    I just posted about women traveling. I’m glad that there are other people getting the word out that it’s TOTALLY possible to do! <3

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    • Ishita
      May 30, 2018 at 6:37 pm

      Thank you for the faith and for spreading it 😍 we need this!

      Reply
  • LissiBelle
    May 19, 2018 at 11:30 pm

    Thank you so much for your tips. I’m travelling solo for the first time this year and it is to Rome and although I’ve been to Italy a number of times so I know a little of what to expect, its lovely to read someone elses tips on the same thing. Lissibelle xx

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    • Ishita
      May 20, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      So happy to help Lissibelle. Love your name:)

      Reply
  • sindiswaonline
    May 14, 2018 at 5:55 pm

    Informative thanks…

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    • Ishita
      May 14, 2018 at 5:56 pm

      Happy to help 🙂

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      • sindiswaonline
        May 14, 2018 at 5:57 pm

        Would love to see some shoe factories there, which places caught your attention

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  • Robert Vowler
    May 11, 2018 at 6:57 pm

    Italy is an amazing country! Thanks so much for sharing!

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    • Ishita
      May 11, 2018 at 7:37 pm

      Thank you for reading 🙂

      Reply
  • Robert Vowler
    May 11, 2018 at 6:56 pm

    Italy is a beautiful country. I’m glad you had a great experience! Thanks for sharing!

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  • […] Tips for Solo Female Travel in Italy […]

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  • Glitter Passport
    May 3, 2018 at 11:12 pm

    Great post and travel advice!✨☺

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    • Ishita
      May 3, 2018 at 11:15 pm

      Thanks so much 🙂

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  • mylibraryandothermischief
    May 3, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    Great tips! 🙂

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  • Lucy At Home
    May 2, 2018 at 1:46 pm

    This is such a great list of practical advice. I have done very little travelling and the thought of travelling alone fills me with dread (!) but I can understand the feeling of freedom and independence that it brings.
    And congratulations because someone loved this post so much, they added it to the BlogCrush linky! Feel free to collect your “I’ve been featured” blog badge 🙂 #blogcrush

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    • Ishita
      May 3, 2018 at 1:52 pm

      Thanks a lot Lucy. Hope you can travel alone one day. Don’t dread it, just do it! I am very humbled to be added a blog crush.

      Reply
  • ecamin
    April 30, 2018 at 2:52 am

    all great tips! i love traveling alone and definitely agree that doing tours/activities is a great way to meet other people and learn something about the place you’re visiting!

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    • Ishita
      April 30, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      Thank you so much! Isn’t it the best. I’ve learnt so much about myself after traveling solo

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  • Bellissimamma
    April 29, 2018 at 11:21 pm

    Hi Ishita! You’re my #BlogCrush for the week! I added your link here: https://lucyathome.co.uk/blogcrush/blogcrush-week-63/

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    • Ishita
      May 3, 2018 at 1:52 pm

      Thanks a ton again dear.

      Reply
  • floralauratravels
    April 27, 2018 at 3:40 pm

    Thank you for your like on my blog post about Rome. Strangely enough, just the day before I was reading this post of yours about solo female travel in Italy, as I am going to be travelling solo in Italy in June/July! I have never travelled solo before, and your post about it has been the most realistic and relatable that I have come across. So thank you in advance for your tips 🙂

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    • Ishita
      April 28, 2018 at 7:30 pm

      You are so kind! Thank you so much 🙂 it wasn’t a coincidence then, you needed to read that post 😊 happy travels and don’t forget to share your experience. X

      Reply
  • beshelley
    April 16, 2018 at 8:48 pm

    I’ve gathered some information about traveling alone and will now add your blog as one of my resources.

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    • Ishita
      April 16, 2018 at 9:01 pm

      I am so happy to know that 🙂 When do you leave?? Should I add you to my Newsletter?

      Reply
  • Connie Werner Reichert
    April 16, 2018 at 5:17 am

    I went to Italy with my young daughter 10 years ago and stayed in Tuscany in a 500 year-old villa and it was exquisite. I did most of my shopping in Florence, and gallivanted all over Pisa. The people were wonderful everywhere we went. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

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    • Ishita
      April 16, 2018 at 8:37 pm

      Thanks Connie for sharing yours. I agree, the people make it so wonderful!! xx

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  • […] via Tips for Solo Female Travel in Italy — Italophilia […]

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    • Ishita
      April 6, 2018 at 2:45 pm

      Tthanks for sharing 🙂

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  • gregsitaly
    April 3, 2018 at 6:33 pm

    Great advice for any traveler, male or female. Thanks.

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    • Ishita
      April 3, 2018 at 9:28 pm

      Thanks so much Greg. And also for subscribing to the Newsletter.

      Reply
  • Un po' di pepe
    April 2, 2018 at 11:45 am

    Great tips, especially about not arriving at destinations after dark. Travelling alone requires a lot of common sense. I must say I have never felt unsafe travelling in Italia. I have had more issues travelling in the US. Buon viaggio, Cristina

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    • Ishita
      April 2, 2018 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks Cristina 🙂 Nice to see you on Italophilia. That’s good! I have felt unsafe a few times but all at the train stations in small towns. Ciao e buona serata! x

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  • a mindful traveler
    March 18, 2018 at 1:21 pm

    Excellent advice Ishita. I have never travelled alone but hope one day to do so. I think it will be a totally different experience as to travelling with my husband or my kids!! Xx

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    • Ishita
      March 18, 2018 at 11:17 pm

      It would be so different for you then 🙂 I hope you can experience it, whether in Italy or Behind.

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    • Ishita
      March 18, 2018 at 11:17 pm

      Beyond (hate auto correct)

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  • Mayur
    March 17, 2018 at 8:38 pm

    Good advice….

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  • LuLu B - Calabrisella Mia
    March 17, 2018 at 2:23 pm

    You have some amazing tips here! I like the one about confidence, I think it’s always important to look like you know where you are and what you are doing even if you aren’t sure! I think it’s amazing that you travel solo and I have so much admiration for you! I think next time you are in Italy, you’ll have to venture further south! 🙂

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    • Ishita
      March 17, 2018 at 2:26 pm

      Thank you so much, Lulu! 🙂 Absolutely and faking it helps in tough situations!! I have to make it to Calabria for sure. I still have only seen Puglia and Sicily in the South.

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  • karenincalabria
    March 16, 2018 at 11:13 pm

    Excellent tips. I travel alone all the time and I so agree with arriving and getting to your destination in daylight. Even where a place is relatively safe, it just gives you that secure feeling to know where you’re going after dark. Also, a very good comment about being comfortable eating along. The “table for 1” scenario can be intimidating, but you have to act and then hopefully feel that it’s not. In Italy, are people staring at you at the table all by yourself? If you’re outside a big city, yes, they probably are, but they’re just curious, and you have to be okay with that.
    I know exactly what you mean about those empty train stations. I particularly don’t like the stairs and underground passageways, but I’d add to be very vigilant with personal belongings in all train stations, particularly Rome’s Termini when it’s crowded.

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    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 11:30 pm

      Thank you Karen. I absolutely have never booked a plane that lands late after 8 .. I don’t know why but it comes naturally. Yes they do quite a lot of times. Small or big towns 😉 Rome’s Termini is the worst of them all. But being vigilant is the key.

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  • Kickin' It With Rae
    March 16, 2018 at 10:21 pm

    All great tips Ishita. I have been travelling alone, even by motorcycle, for about 30 years now. Being alone does often spur conversation, as did a woman riding a motorcycle alone ha ha. Even those small conversations in a cafe can make you feel less alone. My gut has never let me down either.. always trust your gut!
    Keep on travelling my friend it can be very freeing 🙂

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    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 11:12 pm

      You are a bigger inspiration than anyone here. Stay as brave and keep traveling. Thank you for a wonderful comment as always. xx

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      • Kickin' It With Rae
        March 17, 2018 at 10:42 pm

        oh heck no. Most of my travel has been in the US. Some Canada. Once, soon to be twice, Italy. You my friend are quite the inspiration eapecially considering the number of countries you have been ❤❤

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  • IngridMadisonAve
    March 16, 2018 at 9:38 pm

    Such a great post with wonderful tips! I actually enjoy traveling alone because you can do whatever you like. xx

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    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 10:00 pm

      Thank you Ingrid 🙂 I do it, can’t wait for it again,

      Reply
  • aesha thakur
    March 16, 2018 at 8:35 pm

    Excellent post,Ishita 👍🏽

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    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 9:02 pm

      Thanks sweetie <3

      Reply
  • foodinbooks
    March 16, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    Excellent suggestions for traveling anywhere alone. I have traveled to Spain, southern France, Italy and England solo, and although I did sometimes meet up with friends, much of it was done on my own and it is such a liberating experience. The tip about being alert at train stations is particularly important, and that is in any country, including the United States. Bus depots are also a place to be very vigilant and alert. this is why I always recommend packing as light as you can, especially if you’ll be traveling alone and by bus or train. The fewer things you have to carry with you, the more quickly you can move about and the easier your travel will be.

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    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 8:06 pm

      Liberating is the word I was looking for! Thank you 🙂 Being alert in stations is so needed, otherwise anything can happen. Packing light is a great tip.

      Reply
  • mytimetotravel
    March 16, 2018 at 7:55 pm

    Good list! I agree with all of them, but would add wearing a money belt.
    I have traveled solo in a lot of places, including India, and hear “you’re so brave” or “aren’t you scared” a lot. I usually answer that bravery involves doing something that scares you, and I’m not sure what I should be scared of when traveling. It often turns out that people are worried about not knowing the language, which I have seldom found to be a big problem.

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    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 7:56 pm

      Thanks 🙂 I have never really worn one so don’t know about it and I tend to give advice based on experience. Yeah bravery does come once you do something scary. 100% agree about the language bit. There is so much you can do with just a few gestures. Obviously not in situations of emergency but still!!

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      • mytimetotravel
        March 16, 2018 at 8:04 pm

        I wear one of these with the pouch at the back: https://lewisnclark.com/waist-stash/ It holds my passport, ATM and credit cards and the bulk of my money. I can be pick pocketed and still not lose the important stuff. (Only successful pick pocket was in Rome and he got an expiring bus pass and one day’s cash.) I never access it in public.

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        • Ishita
          March 16, 2018 at 8:07 pm

          Thanks for sharing 🙂

          Reply
  • Tony Staffaroni
    March 16, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    Great tips for anyone not only traveling alone, but traveling in general! Brava! 🙂

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    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 7:37 pm

      Thank you Tony 🙂 Happy you like them

      Reply
  • dee@cookingwithdee.net
    March 16, 2018 at 5:21 pm

    I’ve had more problems in London and especially Paris, not Florence. I feel like I can go anywhere in Florence, alone, and be at home. Before arthritis I used to walk up to San Miniato al Monte, and even stop by the church down the way to drop off lire and leftovers of pasta for dei gatti, the feral cats, via their caretaker. She said she was not a beggar and I replied that it was for the cats. San Miniato has a wonderful Annunciation painting, as well as a cemetery with a lovely view of the city. Be sure to get an early start in the morning, gals, with coffee at Rivoire overlooking the Pallazzo Vechhio and fake statue of David and people-watch. The real David got messed up with gas fumes so was moved to the Galleria Accademia. Alone in Italy, England, Scotland, Greece.Even in the USA. I’m married but he’s away and it’s just me and our old dog. Cheers, ciao.

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    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 7:08 pm

      Really?? Surprising to hear about London here. Florence is very safe to me too. Obviously every one has to be cautious in the back streets.

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    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 7:10 pm

      Can you believe I have yet not been to San Miniato?? 🙁

      Reply
  • stellalucentellc
    March 16, 2018 at 5:06 pm

    PS I admire your courage!

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    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      Thank you!! <3

      Reply
  • stellalucentellc
    March 16, 2018 at 5:04 pm

    All very good advice, especially about being aware of your surroundings. I think sometimes people are distracted – or let themselves be distracted – and that’s when they get taken advantage of. Knowing who is in your surroundings (especially walking behind you) also helps to build confidence and ensures you will really see the place you’ve come to see! And thanks for letting me know about the Trenit Ap!

    Reply
    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      Yes that is true but all this comes with time. We definitely need to be aware of our surroundings. I think my gut feeling is usually almost right. Most welcome!

      Reply
  • Debra Kolkka
    March 16, 2018 at 4:58 pm

    I travel alone all the time in Italy and find most people kind and helpful. I agree about railways stations, keep your belonging close and try to look confident.

    Reply
    • Ishita
      March 16, 2018 at 5:00 pm

      Has helped me countless times. I fake it too well 😛

      Reply

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