PICK-POCKETS !! - in ROME

[andrewblow]

A warning and a comment TO ANYONE thinking of going to Rome.

My wife and I have just enjoyed (!!) a really fantastic weekend in Rome - celebrating our wedding anniversary.

Unfortunately this was really marred by two massive pick-pocket attacks - even more unfortunate because they were successful!!

The first was in a bus where - after minor jostling - I found that my wallet had been removed from a BUTTONNED TROUSER POCKET!! and my mobile phone pocket was opened - but my cute little bum kept the fabric so tight nothing could move...

ONE ALL !

Waiting for the coach to take us to the Airport, we were almost < standing > on our stuff and being so cautious, when a seemingly bewildered guy asked directions. Being kind British people, we told him what he wanted to know - only to find that - during the moment we were distracted - an accomplice had removed my camera case from within half-a meter from my wife's hand. Unfortunately this case also contained my passport.....money......cards......the list is endless. It required us to have another night in Rome and some un-insured losses.

It won't stop us going back to Rome - but next time we will be as cynical and as unco-operative and .......well - as they say "WHEN IN ROME - do as the Roman's do"

That is - all except for the robberies of course !!heheh!"!

Be very careful, people. We THOUGHT WE WERE !!!!!!

Andrew

[johncullen]

sorry to hear of your fouled up vacation in rome, and thanks for the warning it happens all the time. i was there in february 2001 but luckily with no incident, although my brother had a near miss. but there are more than picketpockets in rome. we found it impossible to find decent food, and cooked most of the time at our apartment.

[andrewblow]

That's strange - we enjoyed most of the food we had. One place in particular stands out - minutes from the Termini - called 'MIRANDA'S'. We had been recommended there by friends visiting 1 year ago and it was everything we wanted = good food - wide menu, great wines and the best service you could imagine. Musicians were going from room to room - a really good atmosphere.

I've been talking to other friends more widely travelled than myself - and you're right = it happens everywhere....I've just had a quiet upbringing, that's all!! and one ends up feeling a bit 'shell-shocked'.

Replaced the camera yesterday - entry level Nikon with twin zoom kit - but with toys I've never had before!! - Technology's moving fast.

Regards,
Andrew