Ripped Off in Italy

I just returned from Italy, where I revisited Rome and Naples. Naples should be off limits to American tourists. My wife had her purse snatched while waiting to get into our hotel there. Fortunately, she carried her money in a small satchel under her clothes. Rome was interesting, but paying $17 for a plate of spaghetti plus a “cover charge” was outrageous. The cabbies just double the meter charge and you have to pay it. The ideal way to explore is to hire a guide with a car which--if expensive--is at least safe and comfortable.

R.A. RICEFIELD

La Jolla