On 1 July my wallet was stolen in Pisa railway station. I carried on to Florence, and to Archi Rossi Hostel where I received much support, language-wise and contact-wise, reaching Global visa for an emergency card and more importantly to me, personal support as I was travelling alone. That meant a lot to me. I spent 4 nights, enjoyed their extensive free use internet facilities to contact my family and research other hostels in other countries and train connections, their beautiful little green courtyard, all the facilities I needed, the unique 'artfest' covering their walls and the clean and secure hostel. I'm just sorry that I missed their free evening pasta meals during most of the week they were advertised. The free breakfasts were yum and very efficiently served. I said when I left there on 5 July, that my accommodation was all downhill from there and I was right. Even the hotels were a poor second. Hostels have far more facilities to suit the freelance traveller on a Eurail pass seeking ongoing accommodation and train reservations, not to mention the cheaper rates. The woman 'manager' at Archi Rossi made the rest of my stay in Florence so much better - she proved that one bad experience overseas doesn't need to take over your holiday. Just beware nice young girls 'helping' you with your bag in railway stations. I was a bit sad my two friends who were in Florence part of that time could not join me in the hostel courtyard for a while as I was by myself, but I did understand the hostel rules that the place was for the guests only. My friends will still be intending to stay at ArchiRossi when they travel to Italy again, because of my good experience of international kindness - the staff speak great English too - made me feel I should try harder to learn Italian!