We have had the same experiences in all 3 cases. The train station in Rome has a very well-organised theft ring involving of almost every person loitering tin the park in front of the station. I twisted an ankle to foil a group on five who had thier eyes set on my husband's leather briefcase. Other popular tourist sites were even worse. Having lived here for ten years, I have come tp accept that thieving and cheating are valid, well- accepted occupations here. It is the most frustrating aspect of this country.

One more near-the-Rome train station tale. First hour. <BR>My husband, a trusting soul on his first trip to Italy, paid the cab driver 80,000 lira from the airport to our hotel--way, way more than fair fare. (I was busy checking on our luggage.) <BR>I put him on alert. Diligence needed. So later, when he went to a nearby ATM after checking in, I stood in front of him, obviously scanning the area, and focused on a group of young kids who looked suspicious. I stared at them menacingly to show them I knew what's what. And when I satisfyingly turned back to him, as he finished his transaction, he informed me that his pocket had been picked by somebody else entirely while I was busy guarding the kids! We kept the cash in his hand, but spent our first day at the American Express office. (He had foolishly brought more than a couple of credit cards.) There really, really is a petty crime problem in Rome you idealists. We learned, I hope, to be more alert.

Our internet access was cut off for a few weeks as our provider was "busy working to provide us the best service". I just read your mid-August posting and had to chuckle. <BR> <BR>When I was in Venice in 1969 that very same taxi was leaving in one hour! Imagine those poor Venetians waiting 30 years to fill up the boat. I think if you were a customer on this very last boat you should have at least gotten a mug or souvenir t-shirt. But as you found out nothing is free in Venice and turn any corner and your bargain purchase will be cheaper at the next shop. <BR> <BR>We had a light meal in the Piazza and were charged not only for the music but for paper napkins. I can't remember if there was a charge for pigeon poop and the smell of low tide. <BR> <BR>I've had some misadventures and a few disappointments in my travels over the years. Venice still holds 1st place as worst destination.

Just a comment on the cafes in Piazza San Marco in Venice. It is not unusual, in my experience, to pay a cover charge here in the states at bars/restaurants that have live music. As I recall, at the cafe we went to in Venice this spring, the "music charge" was less than $5 per person. Considering that we could then sit at our table all evening listening to music, I didn't find this outrageous at all. Here in Boston, cover charges are far more than that, and there is usually a drink minimum as well.

Venice is wonderful. The cover charge to listen for hours to the beautiful live music and sip wine on the Piazza is not much....the view of the cathedral, the tower, the tourists and the flags slowly whirling on the breeze on a sunny blue sky day...ah, heaven. And at night with the moon shining down and the stars twinkling and the brisk night air as the fine musicians play..aaahhh. In the USA you pay $8 to see a bad movie for the same time period. Also I have never been robbed in Italy but I have been held up at gun point twice in the USA. And I have had friends murdered in the USA, but never any of my European friends.

Keep your cash(except for that needed for one day), Traveler's checks, airline tickets, extra credit cards,and railroad passes in a money belt. Keep paseports, the day's money, and a credit card in a small bag hung around your neck, with the bag under your shirt. Keep nothing except a few dollars in your wallet. Put several heavy,thick rubber bands around your wallet,so that it can not be"slipped" out of your pocket without notice. The wallet serves mostly as a target so as to distract the thief from other targets. I felt my wallet being tugged on while in a jammed troley in Lisbon; reached back and found two fingers in my pocket. Wallet had not come out.

Thank you, Kirby for the warnings of problems that can be encountered. We are going to Italy in late November and am concerned about the crime, especially after tour books, (Fodor) warns against it. I am also concerned about getting transportation from airport to hotel. Someone in the postings said it should be about 18,000 lira, but how do you find a taxi that will charge the honest rate? Is there an info booth, or American tour booths that you will help? Appreciate any suggestions. We will be joining a tour group in about three days after arrival, does anyone think they will help? Thanks

Every major city and tourist attraction has crime. Why work when you can steal? I've been to Italy several times as well as other countries. <BR>Amsterdam has signs posted in every store warning not to put bag down when trying on products. Not even for a minute. When in the Milan train station make sure your hand is attached to every piece and even then don't turn your back. <BR>Italy is no worse than anywhere else. It is your responsibility to take care. <BR>Use a money belt that you only go to in the privacy of your room. keep passports, train tickets, extra money, currency of other countries there. Keep you wallet and/or card care in front pockets and preferably connected to you. The more you look like a tourist the more they realize you won't do much if robbed. I have never had a problem with robbery but know of some people who have been picked. It's very hard not to look like a tourist with a camera dangling. <BR>Therefore, since you will be recognized as a tourist, leave nothing hanging, loose or open. If you make it difficult they will go on to easier targets. There are enough of those.

I've been to Rome 4 times ('93, 95, 96, 98) and it's lovely. As others have mentioned, don't be a dumb tourist and you'll be fine. It's true that the gypsies can be bad - either groups of children, or adults with either real or fake babies - but being aware of them is your best defense. <BR> <BR>If approached, just yell "no" or "basta" - and walk away. Make sure you hold onto your stuff. The first time my husband and I were approached last year and I started yelling, he had no idea what was going on! But by being aware, you'll be fine. We even walked all over downtown Rome at night and never had a problem. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!!