I have a habit of talking to touts who approach me in a foreign country. I mean, if someone asks me a question my first instinct is to answer it. Pat has to keep reminding me that this isn’t always the best or safest thing to do . . . especially in a dodgy bus station in South America.
My natural inclination to be helpful and friendly bit me in the ass while we were in Arica, Chile. We had just finished a 10-hour bus ride from San Pedro de Atacama and I was tired and fuzzy headed. While Pat was buying tickets for the next leg of the bus journey I was standing guard over our bags. A woman walked up and asked me where the bathroom was and, while I was being the helpful American, her partner in crime lifted one of our small bags.
By the time we realized the bag was missing it was long gone. I suspect the thief was very disappointed when he cracked open the bag, though. I seriously doubt he’ll be able to off-load a book of partially completed New York Times Crosswords, two blow-up neck pillows, and a 2-year old Irish cell phone.
July 9, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Just as well you didn’t lose anything too crucial… and now you’ll be more careful and sure to fend off the next attempted hit 🙂