Barcelona, Spain
Trip Start
Jul 18, 2008
1
12
32
Trip End
Sep 03, 2008
Barcelona,
Catalonia,
Spain and Canary Islands
Thursday, July 31, 2008
All is well with us right now. We had a heck of a day yesterday. Trying to leave Garde Du Nord train station in underground Paris found us the victims of an elaborate pickpocket team of thieves. We were rushing to get on the train and two men appeared to try and help with my large suitcase. I wouldn't let go, but the man infront of me keep trying to pull my bag and shake it. |Both Joanne and I yelled at him to stop, he yelled back. All the while that this was happening, his partner snuck our train tickets and Eurorail pass out of my pockets (money belt and neck belt were full). They got off the train as the doors were closing, and right when the train started moving, I noticed the tickets were missing. Sure enough, he looked back at me from the station and sneered. It certainly upset us, as we now had no way of going across Europe without those passes. Thankfully our passports and credit cards were safe in our money belts! We filed a police report with Paris Police, bought new Eurorail Passes and tickets, and got on our way. We missed our flight to Barcelona due to all the chaos, but the train got us here safely. Thankfully we have travel insurance with Mastercard, which we used to buy the stolen passes, so we hope to get that money back. Unfortunately the airfare is non-refundable. Kids are still shaken, Jo and I are fine, and we are all safe. Don't worry about us, we have three relaxing days at the spanish villa awaiting us. Here's missing those five flat tire trips we used to take!!! Hugs, kisses, and prayers,
The Koltzoo Crew
Comments
Oh Dear - glad all is well
Well you are having an adventure arent you? - experiencing all aspects of European culture!! - Just thank goodness you still have your money and passports. We are both glad you are all OK and sounds like you deserve a good few days of R & R. Barcelona is a beautiful city, one Matts favourites - just keep a tight hold on your bags!!
see you in a week or so xxx
Rip-off Artists
Glad you held on to your luggage. My niece had her backpack with all her stuff stolen in Europe by the same type of scheme. Enjoy my other country of origin! Loved the photos of France! Wish we could be there with you.....
Shake it off
They sure are persistant those pickpockets (scumbags). A few days in that villa should be great r&r. Enjoy the markets and the beaches ! can't wait to see more pics.
Welcome to Europe!!
Oh hey you're having a real Baptism of Fire aren't you? You're in good company, we've been robbed on the Spanish metro in Madrid. We were nearly robbed on the train in Italy. Phil pointed to the(child) robbers and the Italian women physically threw them off the train. Lets hope it's all good news from now on and you can relax. Look forward to seeing you all soon. xxx
I am getting stressed
You guys are having quite the adventure and it is freaking me out. I am so glad you are safe, but Yikes! Please, please be careful...
Hope the rest of the trip is enjoyable and stress free.
Take good care of yourselves...PLEASE.
I can't believe this is happening.
I guess those flat tires look pretty good right about now. Well, I hope that you are relaxing and enjoying the sun, having fun, and taking in the sights. After these past couple of days you'll need it. You better rest up..... you know what those Polish weddings can be like.....we still haven't gotten over ours. Hope everyone is well, keep the pictures coming, we're really enjoying them. Now get out there and have some fun. Miss you guys, luv you lots,