Pixeldawg Loc: Suzhou, China

I spent two weeks in Spain this past summer- one in Madrid and one in Barcelona. Madrid was, in my opinion, the far better city to be in. Not because it was prettier (it wasn't) or more convenient to get around (again, it wasn't) but it was MUCH safer. In Barcelona, my iPhone X was stolen by a pickpocket, and then another man- two days later, attempted to steal my back pack, complete with my brand new Nikon Z7 and two lenses. I fought him and literally broke his nose. The horrible part was that during the backpack thing, two police officers stood there watching. I had blood all over me from his nose, and yelled at them for not stepping in to help. Their response was "You seemed to have it under control". I will never, ever go back. Beautiful city, but horrible people.

I made this image in Madrid and at times, fight with the crop that I made here. I would like them in front of just the one woman, but when I do this, it centers them up a bit too much. So, I has to settle for this crop, because you can't crop half of the other girl's face, right? :-) I was also in a cab, driving by with my window down when I shot this, and there were cars in all of the other frames.

Mark Lent

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Interesting story. My Dentist is from Barcelona. She plans to retire in 7 years, and move permanently to Barcelona. She speaks English and Spanish fluently. However, she won't experience your ordeal there. Mainly because she is not a tourist. Tourists are singled out, anywhere. You should have protected your iPhone better. You put up a good fight for your backpack. A Nikon Z7 is a very expensive mirrorless camera. They make trousers that are pickpocket proof. You appear to do a lot of traveling. Traveling can be dangerous everywhere. Tokyo, Japan was a place I never worried about getting mugged. But, that was long ago. Things may be different now. Nice image you posted.

Pixeldawg Loc: Suzhou, China

You were not there, do not know the situation and should not make judgments or assumptions.

Mark Lent

tcthome Loc: NJ

I fought him and literally broke his nose. Yehaah, Good for you on that. I'm sorry about your experience while on vacation. About the pic composition, I would of liked them in the middle on this one. Considering you were in a moving car, at least you have gotten 1 keeper.

Hope your next vacation is better, Tom

Stephan G

One does not have to "be there" to empathize with your experience. You may be surprised about situations elsewhere that are similar to your experience.

At the very least, you have an "adventure" to regale. And a shot to share! (Not talking about that broken nose. )

Welcome back and safe travels to you.

Pixeldawg Loc: Suzhou, China

If you read the original response, they stated "I should be more careful", as if I was intentionally being careless. This is why I responded as I did. Just making sure you understand this.

Mark Lent

Stephan G

Could it be your "Knee-reaction"? Every one should "be more careful", regardless.

I think you are replaying the two events again and again. If so, please stop. Let it go.

And don't presume that you are the only one in this world to experience crime. Let it go. It will do you good.

Now, back to the base focus for this channel. Photography.

Pixeldawg Loc: Suzhou, China

Hahaha... funny, since I had surgery on my knee yesterday.

Mark

Stephan G

And I hope for you a quick mend.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

I ilke it Mark....nice work sir.

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

Very beautiful, I love it.

Murray Loc: New Westminster

We spent Sumer in Barcelona. No thefts, but we’d learned about “security sensitivity”. In other locations”. I am sooo glad you broke that sucker’s nose... Yay!... wish I’d been there.

Happy travels!

Murray

uote=Pixeldawg]I spent two weeks in Spain this past summer- one in Madrid and one in Barcelona. Madrid was, in my opinion, the far better city to be in. Not because it was prettier (it wasn't) or more convenient to get around (again, it wasn't) but it was MUCH safer. In Barcelona, my iPhone X was stolen by a pickpocket, and then another man- two days later, attempted to steal my back pack, complete with my brand new Nikon Z7 and two lenses. I fought him and literally broke his nose. The horrible part was that during the backpack thing, two police officers stood there watching. I had blood all over me from his nose, and yelled at them for not stepping in to help. Their response was "You seemed to have it under control". I will never, ever go back. Beautiful city, but horrible people.

I made this image in Madrid and at times, fight with the crop that I made here. I would like them in front of just the one woman, but when I do this, it centers them up a bit too much. So, I has to settle for this crop, because you can't crop half of the other girl's face, right? :-) I was also in a cab, driving by with my window down when I shot this, and there were cars in all of the other frames.

Mark Lent[/quote]

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I'm going on a 2-week trip to Spain and Portugal next summer for my birthday. I'd been waffling about renting a lens (18-400) and taking my a77 instead of my 20 MP used Panasonic FZ-200, but after seeing so many posts (and You-Tube videos) about pickpockets, I might just deal with the lesser IQ and limited f/stop range. I took the Panasonic to Israel in 2016 and there were times when I wish I had my "real" camera with me. Still, I took some nice pics.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

"And don't presume that you are the only one in this world to experience crime."

I grew up in the Chicago burbs, but now live near STL (IL side). Every day on the news you hear about 6-10 shootings/armed robberies, etc. When I went to Israel in 2016 I checked some government sites about violence. Israel had next to nothing compared with the good old US of A, which had about the worst rating of any country in the list. I probably won't walk alone anywhere in Spain. The tour itself is going to have about 40 people. I'm sure I can find someone to pal around with.

Stephan G

I grew up in Chi-West in the 1950-70. Went to a high school on 12th street near South Blue Island Road. So I have an idea as to how rough it can be. I want to raise the point that any place in the world can be a dangerous place, not withstanding the "news" in Israel. One has the choice of being frightened. The best way to deal with any area is to be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. The working term is "prepared". One thing to remember is that people will be people, good with the bad intermixed. You are the first person responsible for your personal security. Prepare yourself by understanding what "marks" you as easy prey. Then go from there. One tip, for example, is to never flash your cash. Using the buddy system is also a good measure.

One cannot be fully prepared, but certainly be prepared to take all precautions.

Bon Voyage.