THE DIVERSION

We've been very fortunate to have traveled as much as we have without incident. Others who have been with us have had lost luggage overseas and some have been robbed, one couple mugged. For their Rolexes. Maybe that's why we've been spared; we don't have anything worth burgling. Well, at least not on our person.

Which brings me to fanny packs. And how they got that name. To me they're belly packs. Just advertising--"here's where I keep my valuables. Right here around my waist. So if you need to accost me, you'll know where to search." I never understood them.

But one Friday night in Gdansk, Poland, three of us were sitting at an outdoor cafe when a young woman asked me for a light for her dangling cigarette. I told her I had none. At the same time two little kids approached one of our tables. While all this was going on, yet another tried to lift the purse of our friend. Also a savvy traveler, she clutched her purse which was close at hand and nothing became of it.

A clever diversion for one of us while working the kids to distract the other two. No harm; no foul. But a tale worth repeating to avoid being taken in. Plus, if you're bound and determined to wear a fanny pack, be sure there's nothing too valuable in there.