For heaven's sakes NYT, I don't think ally is after sympathy, just a self-effacing story where the two of them turn out to be the targets of some pretty professional thieves. I read the story more as a public service to initiate those who were not aware of the perils of letting your guard down and to remind the rest of us that "bad" people do exist.

It would have been a lot easier for her not to tell us.

God forbid, NYT, that you should ever have anything stolen while on vacation. But then, you probably wouldn't be telling us about it, now would you?

Thanks Ally, for sharing your story. Like you said, at least you and your DH weren't hurt. As much as we try, we just can be "on guard" every minute while we're on vacation. After all, we're human and we slip up sometimes.

I think it's an excellent reminder for lots of things. A few things jump out at me... being somewhat disoriented arriving a new city, all the luggage left while going off to the restroom, hubby involved in conversation with interesting stranger, his not having his hands physically ON the "stacked" luggage.

Not backing up yor computer data is a whole 'nother can of worms imo, an unfortunate mistake but one that has nothing to do with the theft in Prague.

Thanks for posting Ally. I once dropped my wallet on a Glasgow central bound bus after a flight from Victoria BC.
My experience had my wife wondering why such a sweet lass would chase after me to return my wallet. Did I look that desperate/hard up.....
Anyways. After a long flight, I know I have shift/for/brains.

Good heavens, bettyk, you are beginning to sound like a liberal!

I'm sorry, FairSquare, but what was it about my response that would make you say such a thing?

bettyk - that would be the "After all, we're human and we slip up sometimes" part, which is decidedly uncharacteristic of a good republicon (unless he was trying to explain his way out of a past peccadillo)
it was a jest, b!

Thanks for the warning. I found Prague to be full of pickpockets and thieves. Someone tried to pickpocket a member of our Swiss group. Pickpockets don't care where you're from, they just see the booty.

I hope you enjoyed beautiful Prague anyway.

It seems to me that nytraveler is like the winter: cold! I laugh when people say they are "realist" when in fact, they just have a hard time with compassion and empathy. I guess you can call it whatever you like but it doesn't seem like life has treated you kindly for you to have such a small space for human error.

Based on the other posts, it appears that my story has brought awareness to a common topic and I do thank the kind words from others.

We are still on holiday, enjoying ourselves and at the same time, staying on guard. If you can believe it, Nytraveler, my DH helped a crippled man who had fallen to the ground find his way to a chair while I watched DHs pockets. I don't think the act was democratic or republican....just a random act of kindness. While we were had at the station, I would be a fool to let the thieves make my heart cold.

FairSquare: I think you hit betty where it hurts most.

ally: We all make dumb mistakes. Thanks for the warning and the advice.

"bettyk - that would be the "After all, we're human and we slip up sometimes" part, which is decidedly uncharacteristic of a good republicon (unless he was trying to explain his way out of a past peccadillo)it was a jest, b"

FairSquare and others, that's one of the problems with the people here. You all make so many assumptions about what another person is like based on the broad strokes of one brush.

Yes, I am a Republican, and proud of it, but just what do you think a Republican is? Do you think that I don't care about the environment, or that I want to see little children suffer?

Of course, I believe that people are "only human" and make mistakes. Everybody does. Do you believe that all Republicans think we are morally superior because we believe in God? Because we think everybody should strive to be better than they are?

Well, I've come to believe that some of the liberals here are much less tolerant than they would like everybody to think.

Oh,and "that's a jest".

bettk,

Do you actually think that Republicans are the only ones who believe in God????

s

How miserable for you both - that sinking feeling when you realise that you've been robbed is just horrible.

Don't go blaming yourself. My bag was robbed in Lisbon this year and when I was reporting it to the police, I said that it was my own fault for dropping my guard. "No it was not" said the nice policeman, VERY firmly. It cheered me up a bit.

I hope it hasn't ruined your trip.

I'm sorry to disappoint some people - but no I've never had anything stolen - in more than 70 trips to europe. Because I watch my belongings.

I'm not saying it's not possible for a really slick pickpocket to steal something from almost anyone in a very crowded train or bus.

But to let go of and turn your back on your belongings is simply a very silly thing to do. No - it's not a crime. But it is extremely careless - and if you're extremely careless with your belongings you will probably lose some of them.

I'm not trying to be mean to anyone - simply reinforce reality - and the need to be responsible for one's belongings.

No one should steal anything. But - the world (and esp crowded venues with lots of tourists) is full of people looking to take advantage. And while I can sympathize with the OP's loss - I can't understand their anger at anyone but themselves.

As my grandmother used to say - if you lay down on the floor and turn yourself into a rug, someone will come along and walk on you.

Swandive, no, of course not, what a silly question.

Thank you for the reminder to be extra vigilant. I am leaving on a trip tomorrow - not to Europe, unfortunately, just a work trip - but I am backing up my files as I type I do it periodically anyway, but I'll admit that I don't do it before every trip, which I absolutely should.

You know I'm not trying to make what occured a small issue but only to put it into better perspective. You and your hubby were NOT injured and that the only problem was some items were stolen. I'm sure that either your homeowners or travelers insurance will help ease the financial blow somewhat.

We will encounter thieves in many cities (especially our own). My own thoughts are "If you haven't been robbed - you will be one day"
Hopefully we can all pay less attention to those who will tell us what we did wrong and more attention to travel warnings from good people like yourself.

Enjoy the rest of your trip and happy holidays!!

Oh bettyk, what a silly response.

You said, "Do you believe that all Republicans think we are morally superior because we believe in God?"

So if you think that liberals and Democrats also believe in God (and go to church and are born again too), then why would you think "they" hate you for something you both share?

Sorry, but the assumption in your argument is that only Republicans believe in God, and that's why the others hate you . . .

s

I have to think a psychologist would have a field day with some of the threads on Fodors. This one is a good example.

What started out as a pretty innocent and somewhat self-deprecating post on being robbed at a Prague bus station has turned into a thread that has some people debating who believes in God more, Republicans or Democrats.

I don't pass judgement on any of the comments, but think the transition from one topic to something so different is fascinating (it's the Mr. Spock in me, I guess).

Anyway ally3259, thank you for posting, and as someone traveling to Prague next year, your post is a valid reminder to people to always watch their stuff.

Maitai - I think it's part of the "attack mode" mentality of certain posters here. Some can't see the line between the Lounge and the Europe forum. They see politics or religion in everything they read. Kinda scary, actually...