Burgled the night before leaving!!
 

ARGHHH!!! We did a whirlwind planning job on a 2 1/2 week trip to Andalucia and the Algarve last week. Everything (almost) was nailed down and packing had commenced. We turned in for a fairly early night as it was going to be a big day for us today.

Bright and early this morning, we rose and discovered that we had been burgled while we slept! Not much was taken really...just my DH's computer, computer bag, my purse and his wallet. What did these items contain? Only all passports, cash and credit cards.
X-(

Besides the weirdness of having burglers enter our house while we sleeping upstairs, we were now faced with the problems of replacing everything. The US Embassy were fabulous and we had our emergency passports in 1 hour....after they waived the emergency fee. We needed the passport to get the money, and we needed the money to get the passport!! Still, credit cards are an issue and it will be several weeks before they are replaced. Fortunately, Amex can have one waiting for us in Madrid. Still, no cash for emergencies prior to arriving in Madrid. So, our trip had to be delayed after all...by two days. Here is where the kudos start:
1) Iberia Airlines for excellent service and a reasonable change rate for tickets that were non-refundable and non changeable (initially!)
2) For the Tryp Ambassador in Madrid for changing our original reservations and honoring the rate (which was a Priceline rate!! of $50.00 ) :-x
3) For the Paradore at Cordoba for changing our reservation without penalty within the designated 72 hour non cancellation.non change period. again, :-x
4) To the US Embassy for prompt and empathetic service. Woohoo...finally I get to see our tax dollars at work in a positive way (remember, I am an expat!).

So, the trip will go forward delayed by two days and the only damage done is a 50 euro change fee. :)

You can be sure that the Tryp hotels and the Paradores will get my patronage in the future.

My heart skipped a beat when you told us exactly what they took, but then you hopped on your horse and saved the day ... trip.

Enjoy your belated trip, you certainly deserve the down time.

Nina

That's an incredible story. It's very heartening to hear how much those business and the government agencies were willing to help out.

You might consider writing up your good experiences with the hotels on TripAdvisor and other places.

Enjoy your vacation!

Great idea on TripAdvisor. I have never submitted to that site, though have used it plenty.
Thanks,
J

WOW!! What the stress must have been. Congrats on leaping into action, using your resources well, and acknowledging those who helped.

I'm so sorry to hear you had to go through that. You have such a good, positive attitude!

Enjoy Spain!

%%-

Do you still live in Ljubljana? Is it the US Embassy in Slovenia that helped you? Curious if you are a "registered" ex-patriate...

Best wishes,

Rex

wow! i'm glad you guys are still able to pick up and leave after being robbed! i'm also amazed at how good everyone was to you guys

Great story, restores faith in those government agencies that are supposed to be there to help us when we need it. Kudos to the hotel, as well---

Wow! How incredibly stressful. Glad you were able to bounce back!

Glad to hear that you got such prompt assistance. Which Embassy provided such great service?

Yes, we still live in Ljubljana and are registered with the Embassy. They are the ones that provided such excellent service. The passports they provided us with are very unusual looking. Obviously temporary and we will be turning them in for permanent ones when we return.

I sound like I have a good attitude now, but earlier, I was a stressy bundle of nerves.

Oops, Kayd, it was the US Embassy.

Sorry, I meant US Embassy WHERE?

Hi Slo,

Sorry to hear you were burgled.

Heartened how well it worked out.

((I))

How awful!!

How wonderful!!!

Thank goodness for something that could be/is, so bad turning out to be something pretty good..with such a good story you can tell for years :)

Have a peaceful and fabulous trip!! ((F))

WOW, you are handling this a lot better than I would. I hope you enjoy your trip and all goes smoothly.

That is just awful! Burgled in your own home...YIKES!
Your attitude is admirable and I'm proud to know you!
I would, of course, lock up really REALLY well when I leave! (...knack for stating the obvious I think...<GRIN>)

SloJan - So glad to hear that everyone and everything came together so quickly for you and that you're able to take your trip after all. That said, hopefully you've taken precautions to secure your home while you're away as some *unknown* now knows you'll be gone for awhile. Not meant to scare, but one can never be too cautious when it comes to their home. Have a wonderful and safe trip!

Talk about bad news/good news. How lucky you weren't attacked!