JackyB
Rome. The people are as arrogant as they are reputed to be and they have made nothing of the treasures they have. Such a let down.
The pavements are narrow and full of cracks. Even in trainers I felt constantly in danger of twisting my ankle. The famous cafes are a ripoff and traffic is horrendous, spouting exhaust fumes at you if you do sit in one of the street cafes.
OK there are millions of tourists, have to accept that, but they are not offered much and groups of youngsters will get stroppy if bored.
I don't know of anyone who hasn't been pickpocketed there. My son had his purse taken. I took many precautions, only taking cash when out and about, spread over several small purses in different pockets. Phone shoved right down my bra. Hotel key left at reception DH had a pedometer attached to his belt which was nicked.
Also: Lisbon. Again, lots of treasures, all in state of disrepair. They only seem to expect tourists. We walked for miles and didn't see a single shop where you could just pop in and buy a packet of tissues or a bottle of shampoo. All that was on sale were cheap souvenirs or designer clothes. The people were nicer, though, and food decent at non-ripoff prices
Let me be the first then. No one in my group of 3 was pick pocketed in 2007. Though we did see it happen to someone else!