Have you ever felt very guilty after making a faux pas while travelling?

I’m visiting Pompeii and went into this beautiful old bathhouse. I love to take pictures. It was low light inside and as you know if you do photography, you need to do some long exposure to get a clearer picture when you’re in a darker area.

I had my tripod with me and the temptation to set it up overtook me. I wasn‘t sure of the rules and I didn’t want to get in anyone’s way, but I rationalised that as long as I’m quick and out the way it’ll hopefully be ok. The crowds had also cleared out by that point so it wasn’t so busy.

Soon after some guy gestured at me in Italian, then a member of staff came in and told me I couldn’t use it. I held my hand up and apologised, she smiled at me in an understanding way and I headed out.

So it was all very cordial, not really a big deal and me just getting ahead of myself a bit. Nevertheless I felt like such a shitty person afterwards. I felt like that annoying tourist who disrespects the local customs, that I should have known it wouldn’t be allowed and I should’ve at least asked someone first. I know I’ll forgive myself after some time, but the pit of guilt in my stomach in the immediate aftermath is just AGH… 😩

Anyway just wanted to get it off my chest a bit. Anyone else had a similar experience?