Got yelled at by a tour guide in Pompeii for touching a fresco, now I bring gloves everywhere

Last month I was on a guided tour in Pompeii and the guide was explaining how some frescoes are still vibrant after 2000 years. I leaned in a little too close to look at the detail and accidentally brushed my finger against the edge of the wall. The guide stopped mid sentence and shouted 'NO TOUCH!' so loud that like 15 people turned around. I was mortified. He then spent 5 minutes explaining the oils on skin degrade the plaster, which I get, but I felt like a child. Now I carry a pair of cheap cotton gloves in my daypack on any site visit, even if it's just an outdoor ruin with no painted surfaces. Feels silly but I'd rather be ready. Has anyone else had a run in with a site guardian or guide about touching stuff? I swear those guys have eyes in the back of their heads.

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1 Comment

jamie_carter8728d ago

Own that shame, it's just life's way of teaching us to keep our hands to ourselves.