Just returned from a 10-day trip to Spain. And as you can see from my header, our carry-on bag got stolen. We let our guard down for just that 3 mins and our bag went poof. This happend in a cafe in the Atocha Renfe station in Madrid. My husband was pretty certain that the 'nice lady' who distracted our 16 mth-old was part of the scam. Passports, cameras, mobile phones, guidebooks - among other things, were gone. We had to spend an additional 2 days in Madrid to get replacement documents, and in the event, had to forego Granada. It was a Sunday when this happened, bright and early at 8 am.<BR><BR>But plodded on we did - made our way to Sevilla &amp; barcelona, before ending the trip in cold rainy/grey Paris. Definitely an interesting experience travelling with an infant. THe locals were very warm and friendly to us and to my daughter. She had lollies or some tit bits in almost every restaurant we visited! <BR><BR>During our trip, we came across some really good deals for food/hotel/entertainment/travel. ie with the exception of barcelona, all our hotel stays were below $55(euros). We had a lovely 5-star lunch in Sevilla(3-course) for only $10.10(taxes included!!), we attended a low-hype authentic flamenco session at the cultural center in Sevilla(on Christmas day) for only $11, as compared to the $26/$29 that the other companies were charging. <BR><BR>Europe is, without a doubt, expensive. However, with some info searching, sussing out local magazines, talking to the hotel concieges(of more extablised hotel chains!), one can travel inexpensively. We were travelling by public tpt all the time -easy and convenient. <BR><BR>If anyone needs more info on the *cheap* hotels we stayed in, places visited, savings/deals found, travelling with an infant etc, do write to me at the address above. <BR><BR>Winnie<BR><BR>

Thanks for your observations, Winnie. Sounds like your family had a good time even though you had a bad episode. Hey, *stuff* happens -- nice you were able to forge ahead. Moral of story? - Don't let your guard down for a minute.

Winnie, that is really awful people can steal from others like that. I was sorry to read that, but I admire your determination to make the best out of it. What did you see in Madrid? Did you get to the Prado or Collection Thyssen-Bornemisza or would that have been out of the question with a baby? What was the atmosphere like in Madrid? Was it a visitor friendly city?

Winnie: we'll be in Sevilla in March. I'd love to know the name and/or address of the place you thought was good for lunch (and any other restaurants you thought worth seeking out).<BR>Bad luck on the bag theft in Atocha station; your equanimity is remarkable.<BR>thanx in advance.

Winnie -<BR><BR>I'm planning a trip to Spain in the spring, with a similar itinerary. It's always good to hear about how to keep costs down! I'm very interested in specifics re your accomodations, dining, and entertainment choices.<BR><BR>Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad you enjoyed your trip in spite of the inauspicious beginning.

I recently returned from Spain and am interested in Winnie's replies. Many restaurants have Menu del Dia - 3 courses - for under 10 euros. It includes appetizer, main course, dessert, wine or water, and maybe even coffee. I didn't try this as much as I would've liked, because I wanted tapas. You are always charged for bread. They never give you butter and you will be charged for it if you request it. We always had some bread because we were always starving, but I don't know if they won't charge you if you haven't touched it.<BR><BR>Museums in Madrid seemed cheap to me - a couple of euros. Whereas in New York City, musuems admission is $10 and more.<BR><BR>I was expecting gypsies and robbers everywhere.. but we did not encounter any problems and did not see any gypsies - I think maybe there were a few in Cordoba. Although I did not have a baby to take care of!

Winnie, I love the spirit of your post and your travel attitude!!<BR><BR>But for others, possibly new to travel, I've just *gotta* say... your passport and cash should never be anywhere but on your person (losing the cameras, guidebooks, etc. might be a drag but won't stop a vacation).