Going to Barcelona - where do i go ?

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

thank you to all who repsond

tony

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

Click to expand...

The bar district. I was there in 1972-73 as a US Navy Sailor. That's another story but the building were straight out of the Middle Ages. Old, narrow, winding pathways that lend themselves to some very interesting images. Also you can't forget the Arial Tram Ride over the bay or river, don't remember.

And if the Bull Fights aren't against your ethics, they too will lend themselves to colorful, yet violent images. If you do go to the Bull Fights, don't forget to go into the back where the losing bull is butchered for the market. This too will lend to interesting images. Warning: It's a violent sport with a violent ending.

I'm sure a lot has changed since our ship was there in 73 but I have good memories of the city.

thomas, sounds an interesting life,

do you have another reference for the bar area as it does not come up on google, etc. I know i can ask once there but trying to do a little planning. These areas tend to go down hill or even red light so did not want to create the wrong impression on landing

Bullfights would have been good but april - september only :-(

cheers

tb

Thomas Gardner said:

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

Click to expand...

The bar district. I was there in 1972-73 as a US Navy Sailor.
That's another story but the building were straight out of the
Middle Ages. Old, narrow, winding pathways that lend themselves to
some very interesting images. Also you can't forget the Arial Tram
Ride over the bay or river, don't remember.

And if the Bull Fights aren't against your ethics, they too will
lend themselves to colorful, yet violent images. If you do go to
the Bull Fights, don't forget to go into the back where the losing
bull is butchered for the market. This too will lend to
interesting images. Warning: It's a violent sport with a violent
ending.

I'm sure a lot has changed since our ship was there in 73 but I
have good memories of the city.

Click to expand...

I would highly recommend you ask this ? over at a website I use
for my all traveling questions. You will even find people who live
in Barcelona. The website Virtual Tourist, http://www.virtualtourist.com

Bill

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

thank you to all who repsond

tony

Click to expand...

You probably won't want to miss the beach - especially near the Olympic Village - lots of photo opportunities - both architectural and of the bathing beauty kind Keep your money well hidden, the Gitana's are incredibly good at picking your pockets here - don't buy flowers from them - speaking from personal experience....

Lin
--
http://208.56.82.71

I think the area he most likely means is called the "Gothic Quarter" - and I agree, it's a great place to get lost in the windy, narrow alleyways and back streets. Lots of opportunities for photographic little delis crammed full of hanging salamis, ham legs, cheeses, etc, and fabulous medieval architecture and cobbled streets. If you're into strange architecture, check out the Gaudi Park, too. I took some photos in Barcelona in 1997 with a cruddy little canon Powershot 350 (well, it was great in its day, and is still being used daily by my mother!). Bad quality, but it might give you some ideas of places to shoot your own good-quality shots! They're here:

http://www.griffinbyteworks.com/travel/europe97/spainBarcelona.html

Have fun there!
Kai

Antony Blake said:

do you have another reference for the bar area as it does not come
up on google, etc. I know i can ask once there but trying to do a
little planning. These areas tend to go down hill or even red light
so did not want to create the wrong impression on landing

Bullfights would have been good but april - september only :-(

cheers

tb

Thomas Gardner said:

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

Click to expand...

The bar district. I was there in 1972-73 as a US Navy Sailor.
That's another story but the building were straight out of the
Middle Ages. Old, narrow, winding pathways that lend themselves to
some very interesting images. Also you can't forget the Arial Tram
Ride over the bay or river, don't remember.

And if the Bull Fights aren't against your ethics, they too will
lend themselves to colorful, yet violent images. If you do go to
the Bull Fights, don't forget to go into the back where the losing
bull is butchered for the market. This too will lend to
interesting images. Warning: It's a violent sport with a violent
ending.

I'm sure a lot has changed since our ship was there in 73 but I
have good memories of the city.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Antony Blake said:

thomas, sounds an interesting life,

Click to expand...

It was a very interesting life for the year and a half I was in the Med Fun too Athen's was our home port.

I don't remember how we ended up in the bar district. We started out going across the tram. Ended up in a small carnival on the bumper cars and then went to the bar district which apparently was close by.

Just ask where the old bar district is with the old buildings but if you get to the base of the tram way, you'll be in the area. I think we were on the Northside of the harbor.

Twenty-nine years has faded the map a bit

Anthony,

Great city, but for one day ......can you rent a bike to go from one side of the city to the other....

How can one explain Barcelona...a living city, the place to be , cultural, explosive, great nightlife everything of a real newbie city
It is charming old fashioned as well, it has class and all one can think of.

But as there are many Tourists, and people that live in the fast lane and spending money, they have really nice shops, the spanish people love Class, this brings along many thiefs, and that is my last point, i did not wanted to mention it it the beginning, be carefull, your wifes handbag , your camera, just be very carefull, there is a high percentage of theft, and believe me the Spanish , Barcelona people are not happy with that.
PLs enjoy it is a marvelous city but keep attentive to some thiefs.
Frank Leliard

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

thank you to all who repsond

tony

Click to expand...

--
Leliard Frank
Belgium

are we talking about opportunity crime or is it targetted crime ?

are you saying avoid taking big lenses and tripods/monopods and make a better job of blending.

just trying to get prepared

Leliard Frank said:

But as there are many Tourists, and people that live in the fast
lane and spending money, they have really nice shops, the spanish
people love Class, this brings along many thiefs, and that is my
last point, i did not wanted to mention it it the beginning, be
carefull, your wifes handbag , your camera, just be very carefull,
there is a high percentage of theft, and believe me the Spanish ,
Barcelona people are not happy with that.
PLs enjoy it is a marvelous city but keep attentive to some thiefs.
Frank Leliard

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

thank you to all who repsond

tony

Click to expand...

--
Leliard Frank
Belgium

Click to expand...

There's a lot to do in Barcelona! I don't know how much time you'll have, but try to visit as many Gaudi (architect) projects as possible, mainly, La Sagrada Familia Cathedral (go on the roof, the ceramic tile smoke stacks are out of this worls - I have some pics, but I need to scan them) and Park Guell (some fantastic ceramic work there too). There are many more projects though. Also the park in front of the train station could yield iteresting pics (modern park). The old downtown area is also very interesting, including the gothic cathedral. And just like any european city, walk around the city as much as you can (I do that all day!)

Other than that, prepare yourself for some fun (they party till late)!

Alfred

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

thank you to all who repsond

tony

Click to expand...

You touched a good point. Southern countries are more dangerous (usually Rome and South and Barcelona-Madrid and South). Carefull with the street gypsys, those kids will steel you and you will not know! If you catch a train, do not fall asleep. My brother was drugged and robbed on a train from Barcelona-Mardrid (by mouros, which are the dark skinned arabian descendent eople from the south). These waremer countries are usually not as safe as the colded northern ones.

Antony Blake said:

are you saying avoid taking big lenses and tripods/monopods and
make a better job of blending.

just trying to get prepared

Leliard Frank said:

But as there are many Tourists, and people that live in the fast
lane and spending money, they have really nice shops, the spanish
people love Class, this brings along many thiefs, and that is my
last point, i did not wanted to mention it it the beginning, be
carefull, your wifes handbag , your camera, just be very carefull,
there is a high percentage of theft, and believe me the Spanish ,
Barcelona people are not happy with that.
PLs enjoy it is a marvelous city but keep attentive to some thiefs.
Frank Leliard

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

thank you to all who repsond

tony

Click to expand...

--
Leliard Frank
Belgium

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

I would second that plan. The Parque Guell is fantastic, esp late afternoon. The "Rambla" is always good for photos, as well as any Gaudi structure (though be sure to bring your telephoto) in the ritzier part of downtown. There is also a fantastic little enclosed church courtyard just off of the city hall square in the old town -- wish I could be more specific but it's hard from memory. If you had a bit more time I'd suggest making it up to the Monserat monestary, but that's a full day. I'm sure no matter what you'll find some interesting subjects. I've been to Barcelona three times and would go back in a heartbeat.

aevoegels said:

Other than that, prepare yourself for some fun (they party till late)!

Alfred

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

thank you to all who repsond

tony

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
--- http://www.reneeanddolan.net ---

Antony Blake said:

are we talking about opportunity crime or is it targetted crime ?

are you saying avoid taking big lenses and tripods/monopods and
make a better job of blending.

just trying to get prepared

Click to expand...

It's more crime of "opportunity" than anything else. The "pickpocket" Gitana (gypsy women) are rampant in some areas, as are street urchins with sticky fingers. They are VERY good - as someone who has spent many years in the toughest back alleys of Saigon, Hong Kong, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico City, Paris, etc., and is totally street wise, I can vouch from personal experience that even someone like me can be taken here. Put your serous money and passport in a money belt or other safe place close on your body - don't keep it in an accessible pocket or in a purse dangling from your arm. The scams and artistry of the Gypsy's are absolutely amazing. I was sitting on a bench waiting for a taxi across from the Olympic Village near the beach. An older Gitana and a younger accomplice came by peddling flowers. The old Spanish gentleman sitting near me very rudely dismissed them and they came to me. At first I said no, then I stood up and pulled some change from my pocket. The older woman selected a coin worth about twenty five cents in U.S. currency and pulled out a carnation from the bouquet.

In my left shirt pocket, I had a passport, a small leather wallet and between them $1000 in U.S. $100 dollar bills folded once. In my right shirt pocket I had about $500 in Spanish currency. Both pockets were closed with velcro, and I had not opened either all day long. The older woman pulled up the velcro flap and stuffed the stem of the carnation in my pocket. It took about 1 second. In that time, she managed to find the currency between the wallet and passport, fold it again - palm it and withdraw it without me catching her. About 10 seconds later I realized what had happened and she and her accomplice had disappeared into the crowd.

As much as I hated loosing $1000, I had to laugh and admire the skill and the fact that I had been taken by a real pro. I spend a good bit of my military career as a covert operative with 5th Special Forces and I'm not only street wise, I used to teach this stuff! So a word to the wise..... Barcelona is a safe place where you can have loads of fun, but don't trust anyone who wants to touch you - if you value your money.....

Lin

--
http://208.56.82.71

Watch the movie "Barcelona", and look at Sunday's (yesterday) NY Times, there is a section dedicated to it.

bg

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

thank you to all who repsond

tony

Click to expand...

--Anthony,

I am a bit embarrassed aboutbeing the first one to warn you about all the possible things that you ahve to watch out for, it sounds after all the replies that Barcelona is the last City you want to visit before you die, it sounds as you might die there....well it all sounds worse than it is, but it is worth every second , every minute , every daym, week, month you will spend there.

I is a fantastic city, it has electricity in the air in the evening and at night, it is so beautiful in daytime, tthe architectures are nice, if you love Salvatore Dali there are some nice place to visit at about 150 km form Barcelona...
It really is a place you should have seen,

BUT as all nice attractive cities it also attracks people who think to make easy money. The only thing I wanted to point out is just watch out be very attentive, and do not leave oppertunities to get ripped.

The Spanishe peolple therein Catalunia are very warm friendly, easy, but as in any major city nowadays life is on a fast trail, so you maybe will find more at ease people outside Barcelona than in the stresse enviroment of the city.

OK , for me it is simple, what a pity you only have one day in Barcelona , A week would be nice especially with the equipment, I would only take a Tele zoom like 35-300 and a 35 -70 i think you have some nice potential there ...if you use aD30 than the 35-70 will have its limits becase of the censor mulitiplication....but go for it it is a nice very nice city , make a tour on the internet to find out about all the nice places to see
Have a nice trip
Frank
Leliard Frank
Belgium

Hey,

nice all this talk about security in Barcelona. I guess none of you have checked the statistics about crime in US. Well I tell you it is much higher than in Spain. As well I guess none of you have lived in Barcelona for 7 years as I did.

Well. To start with, Barcelona is safe. Of course since it is a big city it has most of the occidental problems, but only minor crime can occur (we cannot say this about US) like pick-pocketing or the worse can be your camera to be stolen (which can be a disaster if you own a D30/60 or 1D/1Ds).

Just stay with your camera with you all the time (around your neck i.e.) that will be enough. Nobody will go to you with a knife or gun and threaten you, but pick-pocketing can still happen.

About places to visit: You cannot miss "La Sagrada Familia" (The Holy Family) cathredal from Gaudi architect, it is impressive. Then just go to the "Ramblas" where there is "Barrio Gotico" (Gothic Neighborhood). Just walk around those narrow-old streets there and visiit the "Catedral Gótica" (Gothic Cathredal). Finally if you have time visit the "Puerto Olímpico" (Olimpyc Seaport) and "Parc Güell" (Güell Park).

In general Barcelona is very nice, specially on a sunny day where you can take some "tapas" (spanish fast cousine) on the street and enjoy the city lifestyle. It is a city full of life and people all the time (where else you can see crowded the center of the city at 4:00 am but in Madrid as well?)

Spain is wonderful. And believe me, not because I am spaniard (well I guess I have a lot to say...) but I've been worldwide and the more I travel the more I love my country.

Ooops. I forgot, do not get frustrated if most of the signs are not in Spanish, remember they talk (I do) Catalan, which a language in-between spanish and french.

Perdoni = Excuse me
Adeu = Bye bye

Regards, enjoy your trip and try to be opened with the people, catalonians are nice in general.

Leliard Frank said:

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

thank you to all who repsond

tony

Click to expand...

--Anthony,
I am a bit embarrassed aboutbeing the first one to warn you about
all the possible things that you ahve to watch out for, it sounds
after all the replies that Barcelona is the last City you want to
visit before you die, it sounds as you might die there....well it
all sounds worse than it is, but it is worth every second , every
minute , every daym, week, month you will spend there.
I is a fantastic city, it has electricity in the air in the evening
and at night, it is so beautiful in daytime, tthe architectures are
nice, if you love Salvatore Dali there are some nice place to visit
at about 150 km form Barcelona...
It really is a place you should have seen,
BUT as all nice attractive cities it also attracks people who think
to make easy money. The only thing I wanted to point out is just
watch out be very attentive, and do not leave oppertunities to get
ripped.
The Spanishe peolple therein Catalunia are very warm friendly,
easy, but as in any major city nowadays life is on a fast trail, so
you maybe will find more at ease people outside Barcelona than in
the stresse enviroment of the city.

OK , for me it is simple, what a pity you only have one day in
Barcelona , A week would be nice especially with the equipment, I
would only take a Tele zoom like 35-300 and a 35 -70 i think you
have some nice potential there ...if you use aD30 than the 35-70
will have its limits becase of the censor mulitiplication....but go
for it it is a nice very nice city , make a tour on the internet to
find out about all the nice places to see
Have a nice trip
Frank
Leliard Frank
Belgium

Click to expand...

--
"Say what you want! but my pictures will tell the truth!"
O.L.

Forgot,

if you have a wide-open lens take them with you. They will be nice specially in the "Sagrada Familia". It is not easy to put a 100 m (who cares about feet in Europe) tall church in a CMOS sensor of just 2.5cm (inches).



By they way... when are you going? I might be around...

Regards.

Oscar Latorre said:

nice all this talk about security in Barcelona. I guess none of you
have checked the statistics about crime in US. Well I tell you it
is much higher than in Spain. As well I guess none of you have
lived in Barcelona for 7 years as I did.

Well. To start with, Barcelona is safe. Of course since it is a big
city it has most of the occidental problems, but only minor crime
can occur (we cannot say this about US) like pick-pocketing or the
worse can be your camera to be stolen (which can be a disaster if
you own a D30/60 or 1D/1Ds).

Just stay with your camera with you all the time (around your neck
i.e.) that will be enough. Nobody will go to you with a knife or
gun and threaten you, but pick-pocketing can still happen.

About places to visit: You cannot miss "La Sagrada Familia" (The
Holy Family) cathredal from Gaudi architect, it is impressive. Then
just go to the "Ramblas" where there is "Barrio Gotico" (Gothic
Neighborhood). Just walk around those narrow-old streets there and
visiit the "Catedral Gótica" (Gothic Cathredal). Finally if you
have time visit the "Puerto Olímpico" (Olimpyc Seaport) and "Parc
Güell" (Güell Park).

In general Barcelona is very nice, specially on a sunny day where
you can take some "tapas" (spanish fast cousine) on the street and
enjoy the city lifestyle. It is a city full of life and people all
the time (where else you can see crowded the center of the city at
4:00 am but in Madrid as well?)

Spain is wonderful. And believe me, not because I am spaniard (well
I guess I have a lot to say...) but I've been worldwide and the
more I travel the more I love my country.

Ooops. I forgot, do not get frustrated if most of the signs are not
in Spanish, remember they talk (I do) Catalan, which a language
in-between spanish and french.

Perdoni = Excuse me
Adeu = Bye bye

Regards, enjoy your trip and try to be opened with the people,
catalonians are nice in general.

Leliard Frank said:

Antony Blake said:

Looking at spending 1 day in Barcelona just to photgraph it, any
experts on the city there ?

Looking for the usual stuff but also anything that might reflect
spain etc given the constraints of 1 full day starting at 10am

thank you to all who repsond

tony

Click to expand...

--Anthony,
I am a bit embarrassed aboutbeing the first one to warn you about
all the possible things that you ahve to watch out for, it sounds
after all the replies that Barcelona is the last City you want to
visit before you die, it sounds as you might die there....well it
all sounds worse than it is, but it is worth every second , every
minute , every daym, week, month you will spend there.
I is a fantastic city, it has electricity in the air in the evening
and at night, it is so beautiful in daytime, tthe architectures are
nice, if you love Salvatore Dali there are some nice place to visit
at about 150 km form Barcelona...
It really is a place you should have seen,
BUT as all nice attractive cities it also attracks people who think
to make easy money. The only thing I wanted to point out is just
watch out be very attentive, and do not leave oppertunities to get
ripped.
The Spanishe peolple therein Catalunia are very warm friendly,
easy, but as in any major city nowadays life is on a fast trail, so
you maybe will find more at ease people outside Barcelona than in
the stresse enviroment of the city.

OK , for me it is simple, what a pity you only have one day in
Barcelona , A week would be nice especially with the equipment, I
would only take a Tele zoom like 35-300 and a 35 -70 i think you
have some nice potential there ...if you use aD30 than the 35-70
will have its limits becase of the censor mulitiplication....but go
for it it is a nice very nice city , make a tour on the internet to
find out about all the nice places to see
Have a nice trip
Frank
Leliard Frank
Belgium

Click to expand...

--
"Say what you want! but my pictures will tell the truth!"
O.L.

Click to expand...

--
"Say what you want! but my pictures will tell the truth!"
O.L.

Buy a tourist bus pass. There are two routes, nothern and southern. Either one will cover a lot of ground though I liked the southern one better. The bus pass allows you to get off and on at any of the stops as much as you want. This is a great way to spend a day.

Someone mentioned crime - the crime that you will encounter is more of the non-confrontational type - ie pickpoket and petty theft. I have not heard of many things like muggings and weapons being used. Don't bother trying to spot them, as they will probably dress and look like other people. Just remember to keep money and valuables close to your body. Avoid carrying knapsacks.

Zero my hero

I visited Spain about a month ago with another friend. Spain is a lovely country in terms of nice sceneries and you definitely should see the buildings of Gothie in Barcelona. However, I had a terrible experience there and quite frankly I would advise my photograher friends not to go there unless they are fully prepared to devote a lot of their energy on theft prevention while in Spain.

My D60, 16-35L, 70-200L, 85, 28-135 and 1.4X together with my passport and more than USD1,500 in cash were stolen in Madrid. Many people (even including one of the flight attendants on my flight to Madrid) had warned me prior to my trip there, and I thought I was already very careful. I think the problem is many people including myself failed to understand the seriousness of the problem there. The hotel I stayed in Barcelona was very close to the police station on La Rambla and everytime I walked by the police station I could see tourists reporting theft to the police there.

If you really have to be there, here are my advise:

1. At restaurant or while checking email at internet cafe etc., always place your belongings in front of you, not beside you.

2. Basically, the thieves will try to divert your attention and they usually work in pairs. So be very alarmed. For example, you are sitting in a restaurant and a stranger outside may try to attract your attention by asking you for the time or create an incident outside to attract your attention.
3. Observe how the local people carry their bags. You will learn from them.
4. Be very street smart and do not wonder to quiet streets.

5. Don't get too carried away while happily snapping photos as there might be a motorist quietly at the corner waiting for a chance to grab your bag or camera and flee.

6. Keep your passport and valuables in the hotel safety box if possible. Definitely keep your passport separate from your other valuables.
7. Watch out for thieves pretending to be tourists, even in a church.

8. Be very alert when taking the underground trains. Watch out for people pretending to step on your foot when the train door opens or people pretending to drop a pen or something when using the escalator.

By the way, if you happen to lose your photographic equipment in Barcelona and want to shop for replacement, look for "API" on La Rambla. I bought my Pentax 645Nii medium format system there after my Canon system was stolen and this is why I rarely visit this website nowadays

Good luck!

Lin Evans said:

Antony Blake said:

are we talking about opportunity crime or is it targetted crime ?

are you saying avoid taking big lenses and tripods/monopods and
make a better job of blending.

just trying to get prepared

Click to expand...

It's more crime of "opportunity" than anything else. The
"pickpocket" Gitana (gypsy women) are rampant in some areas, as are
street urchins with sticky fingers. They are VERY good - as someone
who has spent many years in the toughest back alleys of Saigon,
Hong Kong, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico City, Paris, etc., and is
totally street wise, I can vouch from personal experience that
even someone like me can be taken here. Put your serous money and
passport in a money belt or other safe place close on your body -
don't keep it in an accessible pocket or in a purse dangling from
your arm. The scams and artistry of the Gypsy's are absolutely
amazing. I was sitting on a bench waiting for a taxi across from
the Olympic Village near the beach. An older Gitana and a younger
accomplice came by peddling flowers. The old Spanish gentleman
sitting near me very rudely dismissed them and they came to me. At
first I said no, then I stood up and pulled some change from my
pocket. The older woman selected a coin worth about twenty five
cents in U.S. currency and pulled out a carnation from the bouquet.

In my left shirt pocket, I had a passport, a small leather wallet
and between them $1000 in U.S. $100 dollar bills folded once. In my
right shirt pocket I had about $500 in Spanish currency. Both
pockets were closed with velcro, and I had not opened either all
day long. The older woman pulled up the velcro flap and stuffed the
stem of the carnation in my pocket. It took about 1 second. In that
time, she managed to find the currency between the wallet and
passport, fold it again - palm it and withdraw it without me
catching her. About 10 seconds later I realized what had happened
and she and her accomplice had disappeared into the crowd.

As much as I hated loosing $1000, I had to laugh and admire the
skill and the fact that I had been taken by a real pro. I spend a
good bit of my military career as a covert operative with 5th
Special Forces and I'm not only street wise, I used to teach this
stuff! So a word to the wise..... Barcelona is a safe place where
you can have loads of fun, but don't trust anyone who wants to
touch you - if you value your money.....

Lin

--
http://208.56.82.71

Click to expand...

Sorry to hear your bad experience. I would die if that would happen to me.

I agree you have to be careful specially in Madrid and Barcelona downtown becauseof these thieves.

Just take with you hanged (crossed) your camera bag with your camera inside it. Put it in front of you as well, never hang it on your rear.

When you take it out to take pictures, grab it strongly and always with the camera belt around your neck.

The rest should be ok. Remember these thieves always try to pick from tourists, never from the local people (as I am) so as much as you look local the safer for you.