camera gear and pickpockets in Barcelona
Aug 30th, 2011, 05:14 AM
#61
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dannon if you are still on this post you mentioned there are touristy and non touristy spots. Could you give some of your secrets away of the non touristy but beautiful interesting areas. We will do some of the touristy spots (isn't that why we are going) but would also like to see some of the places that locals hang at.
Aug 30th, 2011, 06:56 AM
#62
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"What I have been hearing here and on other travel sites is that it is a common problem. "
6abc, yes, it does appear that pick pocketing is a common problem in Barcelona. I do not know that I've seen official numbers in comparison to other cities, but yes, it's a common problem. My issue was the suggestion that mugging is also a common problem.
6abc, yes, it does appear that pick pocketing is a common problem in Barcelona. I do not know that I've seen official numbers in comparison to other cities, but yes, it's a common problem. My issue was the suggestion that mugging is also a common problem.
Aug 30th, 2011, 07:33 AM
#63
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To me the cheesiest spot is Poble Espanyol. It is a collection of reproductions of various sights and towns from all over Spain.
But try to get over to the Cathedral La Seu on Saturday night or Sunday morning and dance the Sardana. It is a traditional Catalan folk dance accompanied by a small band. Join in and the Catalans will teach you. Women put their pocketbooks in the middle of the circle. If there is a pickpocket they must either know the dance or be willing to incur the wrath of Catalan folklorists.
But try to get over to the Cathedral La Seu on Saturday night or Sunday morning and dance the Sardana. It is a traditional Catalan folk dance accompanied by a small band. Join in and the Catalans will teach you. Women put their pocketbooks in the middle of the circle. If there is a pickpocket they must either know the dance or be willing to incur the wrath of Catalan folklorists.
Aug 30th, 2011, 07:42 AM
#64
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,873
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The touristy spots are that for a reason.. they are not to be missed ..I am not fond of Ramblas but, as a photographer, you might find it interesting .
Outside the center, Sarria and Pedralbes are still visited but less than "in town" attractions.
Near the upscale, local mall L'iila ( along Diagonal) is a lovely Parc Turó.. residential streets, shops and restaurants.
Garcia is central ... slightly gritty ,completely unlike the elegant Paseig de Gracia leading towards the neighborhood .
There is so much to see in and around the city, so many different areas to take photos in , you will wish to come back.
If you can find a good guide book, with some suggestions for " not so touristy areas".. it would be more helpful than I could ever be.
I am not a local. Wish I were!
Outside the center, Sarria and Pedralbes are still visited but less than "in town" attractions.
Near the upscale, local mall L'iila ( along Diagonal) is a lovely Parc Turó.. residential streets, shops and restaurants.
Garcia is central ... slightly gritty ,completely unlike the elegant Paseig de Gracia leading towards the neighborhood .
There is so much to see in and around the city, so many different areas to take photos in , you will wish to come back.
If you can find a good guide book, with some suggestions for " not so touristy areas".. it would be more helpful than I could ever be.
I am not a local. Wish I were!
Aug 30th, 2011, 09:02 AM
#65
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
oopsy on Aug 29, 11 at 8:52pm I did not say it hasn't happened. I said I doubted it was a "common" problem. I guess that depends on what one considers common.>
Common here means it could well happen and in most of Europe it - muggings would be rare - but in Madrid and Barcelona you hear of it enough that it could happen - chances are it will not and being aware of the problem (and not saying it is not a common problem, which gives exactly the wrong idea IMO) - what should be said is that mugging is a real problem in Barcelona and Madrid and that vigilance and knowledge of the problem can make it less common for you.
But folks like oopsy who seek to say the problem is not common here - whatever common means - simply do not know of what they are talking and give the wrong impression IMO - yes my good friend had traveled Europe for decades and yes she was violently mugged in Madrid on a Saunday morning around 9am in front of Atocha train station - shopkeepers opening their shops did nothing - the struggle ensued a few minutes before both the mugger and my friend could get the day pack off her back - carrying anything around your neck IMO that seems valuable is not a good idea here. My friend was left bloody and bruised and that is a FACT and reports are rife that that is not an uncommon indicent (does not mean it will happen, of course - but take all precautions and just do not listen to the likes of oopsy who know nothing apparently of what they talk.
Common here means it could well happen and in most of Europe it - muggings would be rare - but in Madrid and Barcelona you hear of it enough that it could happen - chances are it will not and being aware of the problem (and not saying it is not a common problem, which gives exactly the wrong idea IMO) - what should be said is that mugging is a real problem in Barcelona and Madrid and that vigilance and knowledge of the problem can make it less common for you.
But folks like oopsy who seek to say the problem is not common here - whatever common means - simply do not know of what they are talking and give the wrong impression IMO - yes my good friend had traveled Europe for decades and yes she was violently mugged in Madrid on a Saunday morning around 9am in front of Atocha train station - shopkeepers opening their shops did nothing - the struggle ensued a few minutes before both the mugger and my friend could get the day pack off her back - carrying anything around your neck IMO that seems valuable is not a good idea here. My friend was left bloody and bruised and that is a FACT and reports are rife that that is not an uncommon indicent (does not mean it will happen, of course - but take all precautions and just do not listen to the likes of oopsy who know nothing apparently of what they talk.
Aug 30th, 2011, 09:23 AM
#66
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This has been an interesting post thanks to all of you who contributed. Knowledge is a powerful thing. I know more about the issue now and will do some research outside of this forum.
Sep 2nd, 2011, 07:08 AM
#68
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I doubt both of you will get mugged.>
when my gal friend was mugged she was with her burly husband who also tried to beat off the attacker - pretty brazen by these criminals are often drug addicts I think desperate for a fix - rarely ethnic spanish or Catalonians I believe but immigrants legal or not who are hard up and desperate. really I would carrry pepper spray though I think importing that to the EU is illegal but with no checks ever at Customs for Americans - at least Caucasian-looking Yanks why not carry some here?
when my gal friend was mugged she was with her burly husband who also tried to beat off the attacker - pretty brazen by these criminals are often drug addicts I think desperate for a fix - rarely ethnic spanish or Catalonians I believe but immigrants legal or not who are hard up and desperate. really I would carrry pepper spray though I think importing that to the EU is illegal but with no checks ever at Customs for Americans - at least Caucasian-looking Yanks why not carry some here?
Sep 2nd, 2011, 07:24 AM
#70
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,873
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why not carry a gun then? Many American do in their own country.
So far as I know, my Spanish friends, don't carry 'protection', travel on metro, wear their expensive watches, and enjoy their life in Barcelona..
As often, this thread has turn from reasonable to ridiculous.
So far as I know, my Spanish friends, don't carry 'protection', travel on metro, wear their expensive watches, and enjoy their life in Barcelona..
As often, this thread has turn from reasonable to ridiculous.
Sep 2nd, 2011, 07:59 AM
#72
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sep 2nd, 2011, 09:39 AM
#75
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,873
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Petty theft is bad in the crowded hang-outs of the capital, as in most major cities; the métro, train stations and Les Halles are notorious pickpocket grounds. It makes sense to take the normal precautions: not flashing wads of notes or travellers' cheques around; carrying your bag or wallet securely; and never letting cameras and other valuables out of your sight." ( Paris)
.
"Pickpockets are a big problem in Rome. When you're out wandering the streets or riding the metro, make sure that your wallet, phone and other valuables are stowed securely (and not in the back pocket of your jeans). "( Rome)
"Pickpocketing is one of Prague's most common crimes. We are sad every time we hear stories about someone getting their money, documents, camera or cell phone stolen." ( Prague)
... if one wishes to find information on crime in any city
and make people feel uneasy about visiting ,it is not hard.
.
"Pickpockets are a big problem in Rome. When you're out wandering the streets or riding the metro, make sure that your wallet, phone and other valuables are stowed securely (and not in the back pocket of your jeans). "( Rome)
"Pickpocketing is one of Prague's most common crimes. We are sad every time we hear stories about someone getting their money, documents, camera or cell phone stolen." ( Prague)
... if one wishes to find information on crime in any city
and make people feel uneasy about visiting ,it is not hard.
Sep 2nd, 2011, 10:46 AM
#76
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
danon does a disservice to say there is no problem there - a real disservice IMO - she he obviously knows little of what she he talks of.
Look at the thread I referenced far above and you will find some comments and experiences of Barcelona natives and their takes and their at times even being victimized.
Danon has been lucky - and yes the chances of getting victimized, especially if you know there is a problem (and this is the real danger of comments from danon saying there is no problem so no need to be vigilant) the problem is greatly lessened. Not knowing or believing the false information danon is presenting then your chances increase - that is why I think danon's comments are so ill serving.
ita - I would not cancel a trip but take notice that you should be vigilant - do not wear expensive jewelry - be leery of anyone coming up to you, etc. and the chances are great you will be fine. But believe danon's take that there is absolutely no problem, based on a handful of trips there and then you may well be victimized.
but again the chances of being victimized are not great enough to cancel a trip but just to be vigilant as there is much more of a problem here than in most of Europe.
Look at the thread I referenced far above and you will find some comments and experiences of Barcelona natives and their takes and their at times even being victimized.
Danon has been lucky - and yes the chances of getting victimized, especially if you know there is a problem (and this is the real danger of comments from danon saying there is no problem so no need to be vigilant) the problem is greatly lessened. Not knowing or believing the false information danon is presenting then your chances increase - that is why I think danon's comments are so ill serving.
ita - I would not cancel a trip but take notice that you should be vigilant - do not wear expensive jewelry - be leery of anyone coming up to you, etc. and the chances are great you will be fine. But believe danon's take that there is absolutely no problem, based on a handful of trips there and then you may well be victimized.
but again the chances of being victimized are not great enough to cancel a trip but just to be vigilant as there is much more of a problem here than in most of Europe.
Sep 2nd, 2011, 10:49 AM
#77
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BBC News - Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp 'mugged' in Madrid
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12257958 - CachedAdd to iGoogle
You +1'd this publicly. Undo
Jan 21, 2011 – Tottenham Hotspur football manager Harry Redknapp says he was mugged while attending the Madrid derby in Spain.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12257958 - CachedAdd to iGoogle
You +1'd this publicly. Undo
Jan 21, 2011 – Tottenham Hotspur football manager Harry Redknapp says he was mugged while attending the Madrid derby in Spain.
Sep 2nd, 2011, 10:54 AM
#78
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
10 tips to help stop being mugged in Barcelona
http://www.lifeincatalonia.com/10-ho...eing-mugged-in... - CachedYou +1'd this publicly. Undo
Oct 12, 2009 – I happen to work near the port of Barcelona in one of the tallest buildings in the area near the metro station Drassanes and thought I'd put a ...
again knowledge is the best protection - this site by a barcelona resident gives IMO valuable tips, such as places where to be real vigilant.
http://www.lifeincatalonia.com/10-ho...eing-mugged-in... - CachedYou +1'd this publicly. Undo
Oct 12, 2009 – I happen to work near the port of Barcelona in one of the tallest buildings in the area near the metro station Drassanes and thought I'd put a ...
again knowledge is the best protection - this site by a barcelona resident gives IMO valuable tips, such as places where to be real vigilant.
Sep 2nd, 2011, 12:18 PM
#79
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,873
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I said I HAD NO PROBLEM.
I can only speak for my self which is the only honest way
to discuss the topic.
One wonders about some posters' motives?
Why are they carping about Spain on every thread when they never go there.
I can only speak for my self which is the only honest way
to discuss the topic.
One wonders about some posters' motives?
Why are they carping about Spain on every thread when they never go there.
Sep 2nd, 2011, 12:31 PM
#80
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,873
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Mugged in Paris
It's 6:30AM here in Paris. I just got back at the apartment after spending 2 hours at the French police station. I was mugged and had to file a complaint. "
Mugged in Rome
" There were seven of them. All in their early 20s (I’d guess), all speaking Italian, all armed with guns and knives. I didn’t know what to do. My head told me to raise my hands and beg sympathetically. "
Robed in Prague
"PRAGUE (Reuters) - Being John Malkovich proved to be rather less fun than the eponymous comedy movie on Friday after the American actor found out his Prague hotel room had been burgled."
Search the Internet and you shall find it.
It's 6:30AM here in Paris. I just got back at the apartment after spending 2 hours at the French police station. I was mugged and had to file a complaint. "
Mugged in Rome
" There were seven of them. All in their early 20s (I’d guess), all speaking Italian, all armed with guns and knives. I didn’t know what to do. My head told me to raise my hands and beg sympathetically. "
Robed in Prague
"PRAGUE (Reuters) - Being John Malkovich proved to be rather less fun than the eponymous comedy movie on Friday after the American actor found out his Prague hotel room had been burgled."
Search the Internet and you shall find it.
