Well, it´s happened and Barcelona has lived up to its reputation. I´m embarrassed to admit that my backpack was stolen from under my nose (while it was facing the other way) and we´ve lost a bunch of very important and precious stuff (inc. netbook, passports, phones – the whole kitchen sink as it were). We´ve done as much as possible to organise police reports etc. and hope to have replacement passports before we have to leave Spain. Lots of other people in the same boat as we noticed at the police station & consulate. Coping reasonably well, and probably suffering shock, but we´re OK. Maryann´s been very helpful and a great support.
So, reporting from the PLE Conference and only a short post till I get my wits together (but maybe not any more till we get home).
Hey guys, very sad to read this. Hard to imagine what rigmarole you now have to go through. I guess these sorts of things can happen in an instant. It makes us a little more wary about what we’ll be doing in September. Great that Maryann is there for moral support (and also a few free meals while the crads get sorted…). Praying that everything will settle. And even in all the drama, God’s peace will surround you.
Love to you both,
Dave
Hi dear people,
What a crying shame! How awful you must have felt, and still feel. Unbelievable that it happens, but it did. So close to the end of your very special vacation. Do watch out in Rome, you may recall what happened to me some years ago on the Piazza Navona. We do feel sad for you and with you.
Thinking of you and praying that this last week+ will still be a good and satisfying one, so that you will return to Aussie with such swag of good memories that these will far outweigh this one lousy experience.
Love, Keith and Emmy
Hi again,
The Spaniards may be in the grand final, but this is a bad intro to the country. But then again, this stuff happens all the time everywhere, and there must be hundreds of thousands professional thieves roaming the tourist areas. And they are very proficient at what they do.
I dearly wish I could give you a phonecall, to just talk, so instead I’ll type another little gizmo. Frank H, when travelling on a train in Greece, had someone unzip one of his pockets, and got away with important stuff. Jan van O when leaving a parking area in Italy, had a guy jump into the backseat, grabbed a lot of stuff, and disappeared again. He was so distraught that he wanted to drive back to Holland straightaway, but Anneke talked him out of it. Geerlof saw his briefcase disappear in Zurich, before his very eyes. Everyone has a story, and many of those are very unpleasant. So many different emotions come into play: angry at yourself, angry at the crim, frustration, grief over the loss, and plenty more. And all the mucking around: police, consulate, insurance, credit card, and all that.
We are – from a distance – grieving with you.
Sending you lots of empathizing love, Dad/Emmy
Hey Col & Wendy – great to talk today. Trsuting all doors will open for safe passage home, and that all the new documents will arrive in time. Thinking of you and praying for you!
Dave & Leonie
How disappointing at the end of your holidays and stressful as well.
I feel for you guys!
Don’t let it get to you and think of all the wonderful experiences you’ve had. No one can take those away from you!
We can’t wait to hear about it all!
You’ll be travelling even lighter!
Gary will be arriving same night after the European choir tour, flying in from Iceland.
Have a safe trip and relax!!
Love, Anne
So very very nice to get your phonecall! And great to hear that temporary passports ans creditcards are in your moneybelt. And you do remember where a moneybelt has to be worn. Undies!
Have a fabulous time in Rome. Don’t throw any coins in the fountain, other people will do that. Each month they drag $ 18.000 euros out of it. Proceeds: Red Cross. Isn’t that nice.
Love you three guys heaps! Keith and Emmy
Hi dear people!
Great to hear that you’ve got papers now to go to Rome and then on to Aus!!!
Last year we stayed 4 stories high at the Plaza Farnese off the Campo di Fiori. great area! They tell me it’s so hot that people cool off near the fountains.
Relax and enjoy these last few days!!
See you soon!
Love, Anne