jw

Christina, I think you need to realize that tourists may think of themselves as targets for theft when they travel in Italy. They know about the crime rate in the U.S., but they believe that, at home, they are just part of the vast landscape. Most of the time American tourists don't seem to be able to blend in when they travel. (This will come as no surprise to you, I'm sure.) Besides, they are staying in places which say 'foreign visitors with money are here at night.' It's not a matter of comparing crime rates, it's about being at home in a place or being an obvious outsider. I'm sorry that you are offended by their fears. I'm sure that we do indeed exaggerate the risks. J.

julie

Well, after reading this thread I guess i won't laugh at my husband any more when he seem paranoid about at least protecting us from someone coming in through the door. His solution was to go to the local hardware store and to purchase a large, rubber, wedge shaped door stop. When we go to bed at night he jams it undet the door so it would be quite difficult for anyone to enter. I do have a question though about phoning for help. In the 1st place, many places we stay (we like the inexpensive and quaint) don't even have room phones. But, even if I do have a phone, if I don't speak the language, how do I even try to call for help in an emergency? It seems we would really be sitting ducks.

L

For weight concious travelers, a good door stop is a film cannister.

mimi

I have never heard more travelers' warnings issued on a civilized western country than Italy. Wonder if it is a sign of absence in morale and spiritual leadership in the region??? (being sarcastic) It almost sounds like that the Pope is right there but he is not there really.