Recently I was in Costa Rica. It was an amazing place, and I think I’ll be going back at some point. While I was there, I slacked on taking photos. Luckily all the 6 girls on the trip weren’t, but I still take a certain amount of pride in my own abilities and photos. Here are my favorite 3 that I took.
This was taken on the beach at Santa Teresa. It was my favorite place we stayed, for the food, the company, the sights, the relaxation.
We almost got murdered by this beast driving by Lake Arenal. Wildlife abounded, but this traveler almost became lunch. Luckily the beast settled for Pringles.
We did a lot of driving our last couple days - but not stressful intense driving. More like laid-back-stop-and-take-a-picture-or-explore-whenever driving. The sights were incredible, the sunsets beyond description.
These are 5 videos that I think describe Bangkok well. I lived there for about 6 months a couple years ago and am desperate to go back. Want to buy me a plane ticket? email me
Cooking Pad Thai (with me and my roommate’s color commentary)
I’ve traveled pretty extensively in my life, and fortunately never been pick-pocketed while in either Asia or Europe. I’ve seen it happen to friends, and always been curious how pick-pocketers operate.
How a pickpocket works: Pickpockets work by taking advantage of a person who’s left them self vulnerable, or by creating a situation that distracts the person.
A pickpocket is the person you least expect. It could be the tourist snapping pictures beside you, the lady holding the baby, the business man reading the newspaper, or the student carrying their books. Their goal is to blend in with the surroundings- they want to be the last person you’d be suspicious of.
In a vulnerable situation, pickpockets simply need to position themselves close to you and wait. All it takes is you taking your eyes off your bag - if they were on it in the first place. Some examples of these situations:
A person who has fallen asleep on the beach
A person that leaves their open purse on the floor next to them at lunch
Someone that leaves their laptop bag next to their chair at the library, and steps away to grab a book
Someone who has a purse or tote on their shoulder while shopping
Someone who stows their bag in the “storage compartment” while traveling
If the pickpocket has to make physical contact (you aren’t inviting them to steal with a situation above), the pickpocket(s) will try to distract you. These are a couple of the best pickpockets in the world showing some techniques.
Some examples of distractions you may encounter:
A fight
A street performer
A flirtatious woman
A lost child
A woman who has dropped her bag
Someone bumping into you on a crowded street/train/bus/subway
A “new friend” while out drinking
Some tips to avoid being a target:
Carry your wallet in your front pocket, if you do must carry it at all
Carry a money belt under your clothing (around your waist), not around your neck
Carry a fake wallet in your back pocket - I have actually caught a pickpocket red-handed with this method
Don’t carry a large purse, instead carry a small clutch, and keep it in your hand at all times
Carry your cash in your shoe - it may be a little funky, but it will be there!
Be aware!!! The best thing you can do is be aware of your surroundings and yourself
If it happens to you, be prepared!!!
Have photocopies of all your important documents in your hotel safe, and at home with a friend
Have a one-sheet with all your important phone numbers (credit card companies, embassy, home, etc.) on it, also in your shoe
Call to cancel your credit cards as quickly as possible
Call your credit card company ahead of time to inform them you’re traveling abroad
In this life, we can't control much. But control isn't what this life is about. My life isn't about the destination- it's about the journey. With that said, this site is a reflection of the happenings of my life. more about »
I’ve traveled pretty extensively in my life, and fortunately never been pick-pocketed while in either Asia or Europe. I’ve seen it happen to friends, and always been curious how pick-pocketers operate.
