So far on our trip we have had nothing but “green lights”. We have been having a great time with numerous positive experiences. Of course we’re happy about everything being so wonderful, but sometimes that can lull you into a false sense of security. Sometimes reality checks are needed to make sure one stays alert and vigilant, especially in a big city like Paris.
From the locals we learned the latest scams to watch for such as petitions at the all the major tourist spots. The young girls ask you to fill out their petitions while others come up behind you and relieve you of your wallet or other valuables.
There’s also the gold ring scam where a gold ring is “found” on the ground and they offer it to you in exchange for a bit of money.
We were mindful to watch for these and more and felt as seasoned travellers we could handle it. That is until we were on the Metro….
We were heading home on the Metro after a long day of touring and were in a very crowded subway. My bag is an open one that is used to store umbrellas, maps, guidebooks etc…. I was close to the doors when at the last moment a girl (maybe 14 or 15) and a young boy jumped on right beside us. They did the classic “bump and grab” type of pickpocket manoeuvre – even with Oliver right beside me! Luckily, a moment earlier a Parisian lady suggested I watch the girl at the door.
I turned around and used my Vice Principal voice and loudly said, “Get your hand out of my bag – NOW!” I think she was shocked that I confronted her – so I continued, “I will call the police – do not think about taking anything from my bag.” At this point everyone was looking our way and their ruse was up. She denied everything of course, and showed me her waistband to prove that she hadn’t taken anything, but I was about 2 inches from her face and very angry.
Needless to say, the duo got off quickly at the next stop and probably found some other tourists to follow.
Overall, we were lucky. Nothing was taken, but it was a good reminder that we needed to be vigilant and that it only takes a couple of seconds to be relieved of iPads, iPods, wallets etc… This can happen in any city around the world and it is important for us to be aware at all times.
Comments
24 responses to “A Travel Reality Check”
Kat – great post. Bob and I were in Amsterdam yesterday and watched the old ‘bump and distract’ start to unfold with us. Bob got wise and quickly we got out of the way. Later as we were heading back we saw the same couple waiting for their victims. A young girl and guy who look like they are tourists hanging by the river. We are really enjoying all the family stories.
Bob and I are with my parents and his mom on the Viking River Cruise. We arrived yesterday in Amsterdam and over night sailed to Dordrecht, Netherlands where we are heading off to explore the windmills in Kinderdijk. We wish we were able to explore on a more physical level (biking) as we are in awe of all the people commuting by bikes. This will be a place we hope to return and spend more time. Keep enjoying your travels and stay safe.
Hi Cathie,
Sounds like a beautiful time in the Netherlands! I love all the biking too….isn’t it amazing how the whole country has bike lanes and traffic lights for cyclists. This is an amazing model for all countries to emulate.
As for the pickpocket incident with you and Bob – I’m glad it worked out well.
Enjoy the rest of your travels!
Cheers!
Good for you Katina! That Vice-Principal/teacher voice comes in handy at times.
Stay safe, Jill. xo
Hi Jill,
I think I scared everyone on that train – as you know…my voice can carry loudly☺
I like how you use the word “relieve”….made me smile.
I’ve also confronted two fellows following my mother and I while we were visiting Prague. Used my VP voice, got in their face too. Both men just turned on their heels and went in another direction. 🙂
Stay vigilant, stay safe!
Hi Maria,
Good for you – glad you protected your mom and yourself. I hope you’re having a great September start-up!
Luckily you were aware of this and you reacted promptly. I don’t know if I could be this alert, especially after a long day. Good for you, and maybe, maybe, I would have liked to hear that VP voice 🙂
Wish you guys all the best on your trip !
Warm greetings from Loenhout
Hi Ingrid,
I think that was part of the problem….I let my guard down because it had been a long day. It’s better to be proactive than reactive so we’re now better prepared as a result of this incident.
Good job! Being aware of your surroundings when travelling is a must in this day & age is a must. I have seen some interesting & bold moves on my many travels. The strangest was in Argentina where a couple in a park was sprayed with what they thought was bird poop. Two people came forward to help them, brushing them etc. Of course you can imagine the outcome. All their documents & money, gone!
Keep enjoying your wonderful adventures. I am loving your journeys.
Be safe
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
So sorry to hear about that couple losing everything – I have heard of that scam too. Afterwards, Oliver and I talked it all through and we’re prepared to be casual if bird poop or mustard gets sprayed on us….we’re just going to go with it!!
SO glad that you were QUICK and in VP mode. Happened to me in SA and I also automatically went into admin mode…scared the ‘perp’ and he ran off. The funny part was the we ( Margaret Whewall and I) just kept on walking. Learned to wear our backpacks in the FRONT.
In Paris the most frustrating were the ‘beggars’…those that were ‘deaf’…those that came into the Metro shouting their sob stories then passing the hat…so odd.
Am so enjoying your stories. Love that all family members are contributing.
Herta
Hi Herta,
Good story –didn’t even phase you – love it!
Yes – we are also wearing the backpacks on our front now…no more open bags available for sticky fingers.
Glad everything turned out alright. That special voice we teachers learn through experience sometimes comes in handy! Good teaching moment for the girls.
Sandra
Hi Sandy,
You’re right – it was a great teachable moment for the kids. We are all more aware and not just looking at the sights…this is all a part of the experience
Way to go Kat!
Hi Brian,
Tee hee☺ THey picked the wrong person to mess with!
Glad to hear that all is safe 🙂 It is easy to let our guard down when enjoying new sights and sounds. Wonderful to have people watching out for you and keeping you in the loop. When I was in Barcelona, the waiter told me that he saw someone take my purse after the fact! That was frustrating! Just be aware of your surroundings and continue to have loads of fun 🙂 Love reading your stories.
Hi Iniyal,
So sorry to hear about your Barcelona story – That is so frustrating…the police are also pretty casual about it too…in fact, they know most of the pickpockets as they are highly organized.
We were told on a tour that if you get something stolen – go to a couple of specific pawn shops and just buy back your things as it will be less hassle than filing a report.
Glad to hear that everything turned out o.k.! Love Mom
Hi Mom,
Yes – everything is good…nothing to worry about – just part of the fun of travel.
You’re awesome!!!
Hi Katia,
Hope you’ve had a great September! Keep me posted on the happenings at TDSB!
Interesting! Don’t think I ever heard your VP voice. Perhaps you can send a recording for us to share at work. 🙂
Hi Neil,
You should ask some of the kids who made it down to my office last year….they can tell you all about it!
Cheers!