What Not To Do In Barcelona
Most people write about the amazing time they had; all the beautiful experiences. Yes, Barcelona is absolutely gorgeous, but the city also continuously nudged me the wrong way.
I should have known we were in for an experience the moment we left Gatwick airport. We were flying Vueling; normally I am here to uplift, but they truly provide the worst customer service I’ve experienced to date. If I didn’t wait around to make sure Abigail’s bag moved through checkin, well, lets just say “C’est la vie”.
To say the least; Barcelona was an experience. We all have those cities we need to redo or try again. More or less, it’s like a date ~ first impressions. You know that date where you want to dip to the bathroom and climb out of the stall window; actually, I think that paints enough of a picture. As my roommate likes to say “that made me uncomfy.”
First and foremost, no matter how persistent they are, if individuals are coming up to you stating they have the cheapest taxi service and they are near baggage claim and not downstairs by taxi row, don’t get into the car with them. Just keep walking and ignore them; however, if it’s like our case or you feel unsafe, allow your New York persona to flair up and let that accent roll off your tongue. I mean we are New Yorkers after all (I like to think of it as a secret weapon).
I’m not going to lie to you, I was a little hesitant to write this post since we were only there for a total of 2 1/2 days. The Blockchain cruise left from Barcelona then to Monte Carlo (an absolute dream! I wish I had more time to explore), Ibiza and back to Barcelona. Like I said, it’s a date. Yeah, we all have those first impressions that steer us the wrong way, but sometimes you get this gut feeling that you have to give them another chance. Sometimes they sway your decisions other times, you actually grab your things and make a b-line for the bathroom.
Okay, I think I did enough rambling. Time to get down to business and to the core of this post. DON’T LEAVE YOUR BELONGINGS ALONE! Yes, the all caps are a little obnoxious, but very necessary. Remember when I said if I didn’t wait at checkin, Abigails bags wouldn’t have made it, well, we actually did say “C’est la vie” … talk about foreshadowing! Unfortunately, Barcelona is known for pit-pocketing or in our case, full on out stealing. If you look at all side tracked or inattentive, you are a main target. Actually, that’s a lie; we met a guy whose Rolex was stolen right off his wrist. Needless to say, just use EXTREME caution. Don’t take anything with you aside from your cellphone, one credit card & some form of ID. Leave this attached to you at all times. Trust me, these people are actual geniuses (and I don’t mean the kind you find at Apple). Sometimes you have that rare luck where it happens early enough in the morning, you can make it to the US Consulate before 1pm, give a police report and be on your (I use this term loosely) merry way. Overall, please be safe. Barcelona is gorgeous, but you have to always be aware. Stay Safe! XOXO
Tips for Stolen Items:
Don’t leave your items unattended
Wear your backpack on your chest
Always make a copy of your passport and leave it in your suitcase
IF your wallet is stolen, bring a trusted friend with you that can pay for your temp passport (they have to be present to pay with their credit card. Also, make sure the friend has their physical passport or they won’t be able to get into the Consulate)
Get a Police Report (not that this does anything aside from your passport)
Only have one Credit Card on you, this way it is easy to cancel.
Always be aware of your surroundings
Other than that, Have Fun!
