Thanks everyone for your kind words. Yeah, this really is something I wouldn't want anyone else to have experience. Tiger, you're right - DON'T Leave your passport in the hotel unless it's in a safe and you're the one with the key! This is the most important piece of documentation you can have. I was lucky - I held on to it so that they couldn't get that. Again, make sure a photocopy of your passport is in your "envelope" along with someone else having a copy of it. It expedites things at the consulate. Also, be aware that many of the consulates are open VERY limited hours.

Also, I know what you mean about a favorite purse. My wallet was one that I had purchased in Italy and really liked. Ah well, I guess it means I'm destined to go back to Italy and shop, right?