I lived and worked in Spain for over eight years and never had any problems.
Granted, I am male, over 6'2" and bilingual. While I appreciate the
cautionary postings, one must be careful in ANY urban setting. Obviously,
these situations are not unique to Spain and I was glad to read that local
Spaniards assisted in helping "save" the tourists from being taken. Also,
fortunately, unlike the US, the only Spaniards permitted to carry guns are
police and civil guards.
Common sense should apply but do be especially careful in dark streets after
sunset in areas with which you are unfamiliar. (Wouldn't you be this
cautious in NYC?)
Also, gypsies are not to be feared - they are an important culturally
specific group with whom you can talk and should enjoy their music but don't
lose your head and let them take money out of your hand (would you let any
stranger do this?).
Most importantly, enjoy yourself. The people there will help you find your
way if you just stop someone and ask. Nine times out of ten, they will take
you where you want to go and talk to you about your travels along the way.
Buen viaje,
John T. Suau
Meetings and Diversity Coordinator
American Association of Museums
1575 Eye Street, NW - Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 218-7676 (t)
(202) 289-6578 (f)
[log in to unmask]
http://aamdiversitycoalition.homestead.com/homepage.html
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Susannah Worth [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2000 6:45 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Travels in Spain
>
> Another word of caution. While doing dissertation research in Spain I
> found
> myself near a church which the guide books said had some important
> paintings. Curious as to what was important about them I range the bell
> at
> the side door to gain entry. There were several children around playing
> with a ball. I got hit in the head (deliberately) really hard just as the
> porter(?) opened the door. He pulled me inside and warned me that thieves
> often work with children (that is they pay them) to distract people and
> then
> they rob them. If he had not opened the door at that moment I may well
> have
> been attacked by some thief/thieves while the children watched or
> disappeared.
>
> I loved Spain but one must be careful.
>
> Susannah Worth
>
>
> >From: Alicia Quirk <[log in to unmask]>
> >Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
> >To: [log in to unmask]
> >Subject: Re: Travels in Spain
> >Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2000 17:37:33 -0400
> >
> >Just a friendly word of caution--beware of gypsies offering flowers. I
> did
> >not find out until too late that it is a common tactic for gypsies to
> >approach tourists in a friendly manner and engage them in conversation.
> >Before you know it they are asking for one centavo for the flower (one
> >centavo is the smallest least common coin) then they offer to "help" show
> >you which one it is. They then "help" themselves to all the money in your
> >wallet.
> >
> >Or they just simply pull out a knife and demand your money.
> >
> >I just want to offer this advice for you to be aware of. I am a
> >well-traveled, sensible woman and I usually take appropriate but not
> >extreme
> >precautions. In this instance, I was completely caught off guard it was
> >11am and I was sitting in front of the Prado eating my breakfast. The
> >police informed me that it is extremely common and that tourists are
> quite
> >often robbed at knifepoint and that single women are often targeted. I
> had
> >read about gypsies but had never even seen one. Live and learn!
> >
> >The southern part of Spain was wonderful, I thought. Enjoy your trip.
> >Alicia
> >
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: "Olivia S. Anastasiadis" <[log in to unmask]>
> >To: <[log in to unmask]>
> >Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2000 5:37 PM
> >Subject: Travels in Spain
> >
> >
> > > Dear Museum-L'ers
> > >
> > > I'd like to thank everyone who sent me their impressions about
> >traveling
> > > in Spain. My itinerary is shaping up nicely, and I have included many
> >of
> > > your suggestions/recommendations into my home-made brochure (of
> course,
> > > I'll take my Spain travel book with me as well).
> > >
> > > Again, a very public thanks to all of you for your lovely help
> >and
> > > guidance! To those of you going to Spain, have a great trip!
> > >
> > > O
> > > Olivia S. Anastasiadis, Curator
> > > Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace
> > > 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
> > > Yorba Linda, CA 92886
> > > (714) 993-5075 ext. 224; (714) 528-0544
> > >
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