A number of years ago I was on a Mediterranean cruise, starting and ending in Rome.  I remember talking with an Australian couple that first evening about how they had lost all their valuables - money, passport, personal items - in the  main Rome train station, on their way to the ship.  A very professionally dressed man had swiftly cut the bag that she was carrying over her shoulder, and disappeared before she or her husband could even react.  

Another couple I met on board ship had heard about how good pickpockets were in Europe, and were absolutely convinced they would know if and when someone tried to take a wallet out of their back pocket.  They decided to put this thought to test in Barcelona by placing a "sticky" wallet (made of rubber or some type of material that supposedly sticks to fabric and is difficult to remove) in a very tight back pocket.  Well, the wallet was never seen again.  They admitted that they had NO clue where or when it disappeared.  

I've been to 8 out of the 10 top cities known to have the best pickpockets in the world.  While no one is exempt from being targeted, I can say that I've never lost anything by following a few simple rules.                   

Whenever I take a cruise that includes a significant investment in airfare (i.e. Europe), I try to add a few a extra days pre/post cruise.  Why not?  I'm already there, so I take advantage of the opportunity whenever my schedule allows it.  

I did just that last month both before and after my Rhine River cruise.  Prior to, I spent a few days in Zurich and explored the beautiful surrounding region.  I'll share more about my time after in Amsterdam in another post. 

Freezing temperatures and snow that even surprised the locals greeted my arrival into Zurich.  I learned years ago I can't do anything about Mother Nature, so when she hands you some lemons, adjust and make some lemonade!  

​Even though I knew ahead of time the first few days would be iffy weather-wise, I have to admit it was really cold walking around Zurich's Old Town, which  limited exploration time in the city.  The hot chocolate and coffee  sure were good though, and that stop in the chocolate shop - well, let's just say the cold weather kept us in there longer than advisable!

But the cold and dampness spurred us into action.  We adjusted our plans, and for that we were justly rewarded.   

An  island nation with a population over 5 million people, this Southeast Asian capital has grown into a hot destination, with its melting pot of cultures, great food,  modern and iconic architecture, museums, gardens and more.  

Singapore has a rich history, dating as far back as the third century, but modern Singapore was born in the early 1800's when Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles negotiated a treaty to establish Singapore as a British trading station.   Today, Singapore is a city of sharp contrasts -  old and modern,  green and concrete, colonial and skyscrapers.  Read on to check out the top things to see and experience in Singapore, a vibrant and young city state that became independent in 1965.