5 or 6 years ago I had about $4,000.00 in cash - a combination of USD, Lira, Austrian Schillings, French Francs and Swiss Franks - taken from an innner pocket of an empty suitcase. This was in Milan.

I had put that money in the suitcase just for onr day that was finishing a trip with a series of private consultations with students. The hotel had given me a room below in which to do this. Inspite of my request to pay by wire, my organizers there had just given me the bulk of the above amount in USD, thinking I would be pleased.

Next morning, bright and early, getting ready to leave for home, I though, well I'll need a few yankee bucks in Chicago during the layover. Found .... nothing. Pit of stomach did a quick descend.

I imediately wrote it off in my mind blaming myself.

However, a student of mine who worked at the state theater school nearby made it her hobby to drop by everyday to push forward a request for insurance reimbursement. After nearly six months, she got the name of someone high enough in the hotel to respond positively. After another 3 months, she got the insurance company for the hotel to respond, too.

When the money came back to me after about 1 year, it was like found money and you can believe that I was very happy.

The hotel not only succumbed to my persistent student, but comped me to an upgrade to one of the 5 stars in their group the next two teaching trips to Milan.

Still, was I stupid!!

Now I don't leave cash in the room, and I have an "Inland Marine Insurance" policy that will cover any loss, theft or breakage for anything I travel with: laptop, video beamer, etc. etc. Used it once when my son spilled a drink on my laptop. No problem with repairs, no raise in rates.

Best wishes.