Photo: Ralph outside Roman Coliseum
Mar 23, 1979 I awoke at 4:30 AM and biked the rest of the way to Rome. I was the only one on the road on the foggy morning. The only sounds were birds singing and the most recognizable smell was of fresh bread baking. Later in the morning I found the hostel. I took my bike downtown to get money and find a place to fix my bike. However, still no one had the right tool.
Photo: Postcard of Coliseum
Mar 24, 1979 I saw St Peters Cathedral and the Vatican Museum. The museum was huge and included the Sistine Chapel. The plaza outside St Peters Cathedral was full of buses from Napoli. The crowd of Pilgrims anxious to see Pope John Paul II overflowed the cathedral. I waited through a couple of rosaries, but became impatient, left and never did see the Pope. I then went to see the Roman Coliseum and the Roman Forum.
Photo: Police report of Ralphs theft
Mar 25, 1979 I went to the Sunday flea market at the Porta Portese with a German girl and an Italian hosteler. In the busy market crowd 3 gypsy children, posing as beggars, stole my wallet and travelers checks from my zipped jacket pocket. Gone was $90 cash, Mastercharge and Visa cards, all ID and $350 in travelers checks. I had 400 lire (50 cents) left in my pocket. My passport was not taken, as it was at the hostel.
The Italian man helped me file a police report and get in touch with the American Consulate. The police did nothing, not surprising. The Consulate loaned me 10,000 lire ($11).
I roamed about Rome the rest of the day feeling sorry for myself. As I was returning to the Youth Hostel, I passed through a crowd leaving the soccer stadium. A man went for my watch, but was unsuccessful.
Map of South France & Italy
