I can say I’ve hitchhiked thru South American, motorcycled thru South America, and now I can say I’ve been robbed in South America.

Yup. After 28 days in South America, they got me.

Dont worry. It was nothing serious. It kind of made me laugh. I was traveling a neighborhood about one hour outside the main city to visit my Dad’s old partner who is now serving as a mission president for the LDS church.

As I was once again going to face my fear of foreign public transportation, I decided to take the train over a taxi. I had a bag of coins, which probably equaled $3 US dollars, that I took with me to pay for the train ticket. For easy access, I thru the bad into the side pouch of my backpack (where water bottles go) instead of zipped upinside. Well, it was easy access for someone else.

When I go to buy a packet of Kleenix from a vendor on the train, I reach for the small bag to pay for it, and it was gone! I looked everywhere but couldn’t find it. I laughed and thought, “those bastards got me.”

I have tried my best to be super duper careful on this trip. I keep my money in a travel wallet zipped underneath my jacket–always against my body. I’ve opted to not carried my camera in most of Buenos Aires. I always try to stay in public, busy areas–especially at night. I walk thru the city determined and fast with a scowl on my face. I make an effort to look over my shoulder often to know my surroundings. I give the stink eye to everyone I see on the subway.

And so far this has worked. I haven’t had any problems with anyone bothering me. But what was I thinking to put a bag of coins in the side pouch of my backpack! It was my fault it was taken, and I realize you can’t let up for one minute. They will be right there waiting when you do.