Pickpocketing
I have something to tell you:I was pickpocketed for the first time in my life the other day. It was awful, only because I didn't know what to do. I was pushed into a subway car, two friends were behind me, I had my wallet in my front pocket along with my cell phone, and my wallet was removed in the turmoil. It all happened so fast, that I didn't see it happen, but I knew immediately; I was a bit to frazzled to notice if their was surprise on anyone's face by my sudden realization. People get pickpocketed a lot here, but they don't usually notice until later. I even asked one gentleman to open his bag, which he did. Afterwards, I thought that probably wasn't a good idea, and the fact that he complied, made me wonder if indeed he had taken it. His arm seemed to come from around me, and I saw him put something in the bag that didnt' seem to be carrying anything at all, but I didn't think it was my wallet. I was so upset because I just didn't know what to do. I normally follow all the rules, but that day I was just a little more lax; I felt it happen, and I still couldn't stop it. I felt like a stupid Peace Corps Volunteer. I can't ride the subway now without a lot of suspicion.
However, by far the most miraculous part of the story is that the thief amazingly didn't grab my cellphone, although he did get some loose papers with notes on them. About 2 hours later, the Police from the next metro stop called me on my cellphone, the number for which they had gotten off my Ukrainian business cards in my wallet, and said they had my documents. I was amazed. I went down and got my wallet with everything in it. The thief had even stuck the notes into the wallet! I was so thrilled to just receive my OWN things. The only thing missing was money (I don't carry any credit cards for this reason), and although it was more than I usually carry because of the type of trip I was making (see the wedding entry), it was only about $40. Oh well, life goes on. I am so glad I didn't have to replace my official diplomatic documents or my wallet.
posted by jjs @ 3:33 PM
1 Comments:
John, glad to hear that it worked out and that you got your wallet back....minus the money. I know that can be a tricky situation. A couple years ago when I was taking about 100 of my students to Israel, I had the same thing happen to me while I was out on the street.
Of course, I felt like a goofball since I had spent so much time warning my students about this and I like to fancy myself as someone who is someone street smart.
Oh well, live and learn.
I enjoy reading up on what you are doing. Know I am praying for you :-)
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