My buddy Jason and I were at a local fair where they basically had a bull ring, and a hundred or more Ticos (Costa Ricans) would just hop in, and run like hell when the bull came at them. Craziness. We saw a couple guys get injured, but that didn't stop the others.
Anyways, Jason noticed some teenager hanging out a bit too close to us, and considered mentioning something, but dismissed it as paranoia. Then the kid disappeared, and a minute later I noticed my wallet was gone. We searched all around, but unfortunately the kid was long gone. We poked around a bit (and even came back the next day) hoping that the kid just took the $$$ in the money and threw the rest in the gutter, so I wouldn't have to replace my cards. No dice. As I later found out when I canceled my cards, he apparently went straight to a restaurant and grabbed a pizza. I hope you choked on it, jerk!
Anyways, I spent basically all of today calling up all my credit card companies / banks cancelling everything, and working out the details of getting replacements, a huge pain when you're in another country. Luckily, I kept my passport / traveler's checks separate (they were back at the hostel), so I'm not totally screwed. It'll just end up being a bit of a pain. Also, looking on the bright side, my camera was in my pocket right next to my wallet - I'm really glad that the thief didn't take that too - that would have really sucked! (and been more expensive to replace than the contents of my wallet).
So, this whole episode was a pain, but it definitely could have been a lot worse. I still have my passport and traveler's checks, and the companies will be mailing me new cards asap. I should be (almost) as good as new in about a week. Now, based on this episode, I've got some quick pointers on how to prepare so a theft like this will be less painful:
- always try to carry only a small amount of money, especially when in crowded areas. Cards / travelers checks can be replaced, cash cannot
- keep your passport, some travelers checks, and at least one bank card and one credit card in a separate safe place so you can have those as backup if your wallet is stolen. (my traveler's checks and passport were locked up at the Hostel - unfortunately I didn't separate my cards
You forgot "wear tight pants so teenagers can't pry the wallet out of your back pocket without you noticing." But seriously, that really sucks!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Adrian! That's no good! Sorry to hear you had your first petty theft experience. At least it wasn't violent :) Think of the bright side... you could be unemployed in Oklahoma, like me! Life is good, my friend. And smack your buddy for not telling you about the suspicious dude!
ReplyDeleteyou always keep your wallet in your front pocket, don't you? did he do the ol' reach-around??
ReplyDeleteyeah, wallet was in the front pocket - can't believe I didn't notice! And Marla, I think I'll stick with the wallet-chain solution I don't think the world's ready for me wearing skinny-jeans! (I know I'm not)
ReplyDelete