While walking along La Rambla, my husband, Danny, and I continued our adventure in Barcelona while very aware of pickpockets. We peeked down the narrow walkways and alleys and I took a few photographs.
Our daughter, Courtney had lived in Barcelona all summer. She warned us about pickpockets earlier that night. I held my bag close to my body. Many locals wore backpacks in front of them. Danny kept our euros in a money belt. I never feared for my safety anywhere in Barcelona, but pickpocketing was rampant.
Pickpocketing scenarios:
Courtney warned us not to help anyone from the ground since they create scenes to distract you, then fish for valuables in your purse or backpack. One of her friends found a little girl’s hand in his front pocket. He swatted her away. The girl’s father said, “Sorry.” Other times they approach with clipboards asking random questions. As the unsuspecting target sign their name, they would rifle through the victim’s bag underneath. If a victim sat at a table with their small purse and cell phone on top, they would set the board on them and snatch both before they knew they’d been hit. She said to hold our bags to our chest when in the subway since they use the crowds to hide their prowling.
Meeting locals
I met two cute girls, hired to promote a night club on the beach. They enticed their new friend to come for free admission. He was reluctant, so I joined in the conversation. They wanted to hire me! Later they confided that there really was a cover charge. Ah yes. The scamming begins. But they were such nice girls.
Photographs of the night scene in Barcelona.
We discovered the Placa Reial filled with hungry people out enjoying the energy of crowds while searching for a late dinner. We joined the hunt for dessert in the square.
A feast for the eyes, the soul, and the tummy, restaurants lined the plaza.
A queue formed for this popular restaurant.
Many enjoyed conversing with friends and family with nary a cell phone in sight.
Bicycles and motorbikes are the preferred mode of transportation in the maze-like downtown.
Danny made some new friends and promised to visit their popular restaurant tomorrow night.
I found some willing subjects taking a quick break during the rush.
“Wait! Where does this tunnel lead us?” I pulled Danny out of the Plaza Reial to explore again.
Back out on La Rambla where my tummy rumbled as we rambled. Tee hee!
Street performers exhibited their gymnastic prowess.
The extraordinary lighting on some of the buildings had me snapping away.
The Rita Blue Restaurant, tucked into another a much smaller plaza, the Placa Sant, had exactly what I’d been looking for.
I found my just desserts! No pickpockets here. Then home again to our rented flat for a much-needed night’s sleep after staying awake for nearly 36 hours. It was 2:00 AM! We had adjusted to Barcelona time.
Where is your favorite dessert restaurant?
All photos by Susie Lindau with a Sony Nex 3nl DSLR
Pickpockets are nimble-fingered, aren’t they! I’m actually impressed at some of the tricks they come up with. It’s too bad they can’t put their creativity to better use.
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Yes! Like playing the harp or throwing pots on a potter’s wheel. I could never get the hang of that. Splat!
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Just when I thought my vicarious trip couldn’t get any better….I’m in love with this city, pickpockets and all.
Ps. When your daughter warned you of these potential thefts, did you use the opportunity to roll your eyes as if she was crazy? It’s always heartwarming to know your child has been listening all these years, but I know I would have given mine a good ole eye roll first…lol
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I was a good listener, but it took Danny more than a few reminders. I definitely noted the role switch and loved it!!!
Thanks so much Lisa!
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Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
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Thanks so much Oyia!
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Favorite dessert restaurant? Hmmm… I remember a place in California that served only pie. I think. Maybe I was mesmerized, but I only recall a menu filled with all sorts of pies. 🙂 Lovely photos, Susie.
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WOWZA! What an adventure! Lights(on the beautiful gorgeous buildings), camera, (that Sony is amazing) and action, (pickpockets lurking high and low)..WHAT A TRIP!!
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What a wonderful place! I’ve never been to Spain, looks amazing…apart from the pickpockets, though I guess they’re a hazard in plenty of places.
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I think “Photographs OF Pickpockets” would have been a much more fun post! lol I am so glad you are enjoying your trip.
Scott
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Beware that which lies beneath the surface, right, Susie?
As always, beautiful pics. My heart swells at your happiness, my beautiful friend.
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Beautiful photos! Barcelona is one of my very favorite places – I’m lucky enough to have a friend there so I’ve visted a few times. Gorgeous!
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What a lucky girl you are! I would go back in a minute!!!
Thanks so much!
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No sign of cell phones because apparently if they set them on the table they would disappear! It is unfortunate about the pick pockets giving the place a bad name but it still looks like you had a wonderful time. The photos are lovely.
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Thanks so much! You are right about leaving them on the tables, but not many used them.It was refreshing to go to dinner and not see someone checking email…
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Our favorite dessert restaurant is either Il Ritrovo or Trattoria Stefano, both across the street from each other in downtown Sheboygan, WI. Wonderful atmosphere and absolutely yummy desserts!
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I love it! I am originally from Wisconsin too where bakeries reign supreme and desserts are heavenly.
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