Yes, I am the dumb American blonde, eyes fixated up toward the sky, bag shoved carelessly under my chair swiftly lifted from under me as I enjoyed my bocadillo beneath the sweltering summer sun.
Don’t let this be you!!!
While I will always confess my undying love for this city that I call home, I, like many before me, learned my lesson the hard way. When people say to watch your bag as you wander the streets of Barca- they really mean it! While shootings, murders and knifings are hardly ever in the papers, having a purse or bag stolen is pretty much the de rigueur initiation of any newcomer to the city. It is however, very simple to avoid this potentially disastrous situation.
First of all, I would recommend NEVER carrying your passport with you (another thing I learned the hard way!). It takes ages to replace and is quite expensive not to mention time consuming. If you use a credit card, carry your license. Keep your passport under lock and key and make sure you have a copy of it!
Furthermore, carry your bag across your chest, or better yet, carry none at all (especially if you’re new to the city- even if you’re a bonafide ‘don’t mess with me’ New Yorker- you will be spotted and targeted!). I know this may not go with your hot outfit as you peruse the shops on Paseo de Gracia, but its advice well worth taking.
If you do decide to carry a bag (some shoes just can’t be worn without a cute one!) carry the bare minimums- credit cards, forty euros and breath mints (maybe even a disposable camera). Credit cards are easily canceled, forty euros doesn’t go far, and the only thing you have to lose is your bag, which, the Coach lover in me understands can be an incredible loss, but at least its an excuse for shopping! Police reports, replacement passports and insurance for cameras take ages to sort out.
You have been warned!!!
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