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- Sep 20, 2019
- ⛅ 23 °C
- Altitude: 548 m
- SpainCataloniaNavàsCardona41°54’51” N 1°41’9” E
Things go pear-shaped
September 20, 2019 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
We had an enjoyable seven hour train trip at speeds of up to 300km per hour and arrived in Barcelona on schedule at 10pm. Dramas followed when Avis told us that our debit cards were unacceptable and that they would only accept a credit card. Furthermore the only such card we had chosen to bring with us was in Mary's name, and that was unacceptable because it was Brian who was hiring the car. Eventually and reluctantly they relented knowing that we faced a difficult 70km drive to our hotel.
The car was on the third level of a parking building which was deserted at that late hour. We put our bags on the floor by the car while Brian was moving the car forward to make room and was flipping the back seats down. Two young men happened to stroll by and one of them seemed to be asking Mary for some directions. While she was distracted the other one must have grabbed the backpack containing the camera, new iPad, iPod, Kindle and other bits and pieces including a couple of our payment cards.
Fortunately Brian was carrying our passports, the phone and the two main debit cards that we use in his security vest (thanks Allan for nagging us to get one). We then spent the next couple of hours traipsing around central Barcelona, very angry, and trying to find some police who were even vaguely interested. Clearly the two characters had been watching us from a distance and had chosen the right moment to pounce.
The main losses are our photos taken so far plus the lack of flexibility to take more good photos and write the travel blog which we so much enjoy doing.
It was a long and tiring drive to the isolated but spectacular hotel, not that we saw much of it when we checked in after 3am.
Sadly, our blogs from now on are unlikely to be as comprehensive, but we'll try our best.Read more
Brian and Mary, Allan a d I are so upset for this awful thing that has happened to you. We know it will be hard to get over and we are so glad that you had passports and important cards stored safely. Brian, maybe time to buy another camera anyway- some good mirrorless ones available and lighter for travel. Our thoughts are with you. Carol and Allan
Allan and Carol. Thanks for your thoughts. We'll certainly get over it and are determined that we won't let it spoil the holiday. The camera was a few years old and I will get another one. I miss the iPad and keyboard but a replacement will have to be delayed until we get home.
Like I said to you yesterday, the most important thing is that neither of you were hurt. It's a huge pain in the butt but don't let it ruin your trip. I know that's easier said than done but you have so many awesome adventures ahead of you. Grab yourself a small camera to see you through until you can buy what you really want when you get home. There's lots of neat little pocket cameras around. Maybe the hotel can recommend a shop? On a brighter note, we've been watering your new plant. It's still alive and thriving :) Tell Mum her frangipani is showing signs of life again too. Rain forecast for the next few days but I won't hold my breath. Talk to you later. HK xxx