Im not a big Rick Steves fan. His advice often sounds like stuph your grandmother would say.

BUT... this advice from the 12 July, Chicago Tribune is strong, accurate and worth sharing with anyone you know planning a European vacation.

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From the article:Thieves want to separate you from your money painlessly.

There's too much of that happening on this side of the pond. The problem is that they are not thieves.

HaverDad, this article is about a week to late. My wife left for Italy on July 10th. At least she took a money belt and other precautions were taken to reduce the chances for theft. Hopefully her tactics will work for her.

Two types of popular methods that Steves didn't mention are:

1.) the dropping of keys, cigarette pack, or similar small item on an up-bound escaltor (toward the exit). The person who does the dropping backs toward you, making it seem like he is picking up the item, while the pickpockets, usually a couple, wedge in behind you.

2.) Gypsies are known to use this method: At peak times, an incredibly stinky!!!!! and almost always very short woman, wedges her way into the middle of packed subway or tram (usually those trains frequented by tourists). Its unusual, because no-one else ever actually pushes their way into the middle. Anyway.... these women stink so much everyone turns their head, and with it, their attention to detail. At that distance, her hands are essentially already in everyone's pocket.

'nuff said.

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Is she married to this man?

I think they may be related but, I suspect he is from the Green Bay branch of the family.

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I hear that he has been known to reside at various places throughout America's Dairyland.

Pick a spot!