What wallet?

During a visit to Paris, my wife and I used the Métro to travel around. One time we were going down the stairs, staying close to the wall and the handrail, when all of a sudden three fellows came in directly behind me.

My wife yelled, “Jack! Wallet!”

I quickly turned around, and the three fellows moved to the center of the stairs and rushed down and soon were out of sight. I then realized I would have been the victim of a pickpocket except for the quick action of my wife.

The next day I asked myself, ‘What do I need to take with me while I’m touring?’ The answer was ‘Money and a credit card,’ so I took one credit card, wrapped a bunch of euros around it and put that in my side pocket, stuffing an unfolded handkerchief over all of it.

At that point I felt safe because l believe it would be harder to get into my side pocket than my back pocket, and if I did lose anything it would just be the euros and a credit card (which I could quickly cancel).

I then checked my wallet to see what I had left behind, and here’s what I found: Ohio driver’s license, AAA membership card, Medicare card, AARP health card, Red Cross blood donor card, two other credit cards, ATM card (which l would take with me the day I was to use it), golf handicap card, a list of the vitamins and medicine I was taking, some US dollars and a hidden 50-dollar bill. All that in an old and slightly worn wallet!

I put all of that stuff into the safe in our hotel room. Now when touring, I carry only some money wrapped around a credit card and I’m happy.

JOHN A FAVRET

Cleveland, OH