Knowing what a maniac with a slashing tool has been known to do in a museum, I'd feel a lot better knowing the world's masterpieces are protected from that kind of lunacy by preventing people from entering bearing those kinds of tools.

Agree with Mary Fran, since it's (slashing, hammer attacks, and spraypainting) already happened in the Vatican, amoung many other places.

But I love the little scene with the butter knife, LOL

yes, nicegirl, just leave it at the hotel. I'm sure you'll find a way to get your wine opened very easily, after all, you're in Rome!

Uhhhh..are you planning to have that picnic IN the museum? If not, why not simply check your bag at the entrance and pick it up when you leave?

Funny recollection that comes to mind, in regards to the butter knife, and how they were carrying it like a dangerous weapon.

Evidently, metal knives of any sort have been banished from public (elementary? only?) schools for some time - - at least in our suburban central Ohio community, where I lived most of the past 25 years. Anyhow, when I went to France in 1999, as part of the AFAC ("French back-to-back&quot student exchange program (fifth graders), the (American) elementary school teacher who was part of the program was amazed that the children ate lunch in school on real plates with real silverware, saying "we would never allow knives like this in our school!"

I didn't know whether to be more amused or embarrassed at this revelation.

Best wishes,

Rex