.........GYPSY FUN!......I needed a new purse actually, but NOT in Rome, where we learned it was safer NOT to carry one, especially if you're a tourist and act like one! So that's why you seldom see me with a purse in our pictures. I agreed with my husband's decision to carry all our trip money around in his money pouch UNDER his shirt, and Claudio did the same. (That's what that 'bump' is under their shirts, in the photos). I know I mentioned "the Gypsies" at least once before, but I forgot to relate OUR bad experience with them on our last trip to Italy. Settimio got his wallet stolen by the gypsy children at an outdoor market in Rome, much like this one. They distracted him with a big cardboard sign and then slipped their hands under it to relieve him of his wallet (in his pocket). This is but ONE of several underhanded schemes they employ to rob innocent tourists.

Another trick we read about is that sometimes they even kidnap real babies or use fake DOLLS to throw at their intended target, because they know that the bewildered tourist will drop his/her valuables just long enough, to catch the "infant, and for them to make a getaway with the goods. After all, who would NOT help a baby in danger?? I for one do not appreciate their antics, their dishonesty, nor their lifestyle in general, especially that they teach their children to steal, and other corrupt moral values, no doubt. Oliver and the Artful Dodger in the Musical, "OLIVER" might have been cute for a couple hours, but THESE children (and adults) are anything BUT, especially when YOU are their target or victim! If any of you are planning a trip to Italy, and are concerned about this problem that plagues Italy in general, and tourists in particular, you can read more about it on the website: www.romebuddy.com. This site also has a wealth of information on just about every other aspect of travel in Rome too.
Sorry for going on so long a rant about this, but this would probably be # 1 of my Pet Peeves on ANY trip!