We've traveled quite a bit and I read alot of travel blogs so I'm aware of alot of the scams/thefts and so we prepare pretty well. But when it happens to you, sometimes you can't believe it. I've witnessed purse/wallet/bag snatchings in Barcelona, Madrid, Paris & Santiago. I even carry a fake wallet in my back pocket to deter any attempt at the real one in my deep front pocket. I've heard the scams where they spill something on you and try to help clean you up- I thought it was something small, at a restaurant, but they got close to getting us this past weekend in BA.
On Sunday we walked LaValle Street and were heading to Cafe Tortoni for a brief lunch. We turned down Esmeralda- quiet street but not totally deserted. It was a beautiful afternoon- sun out bright, about 1pm. When we got to the intersection of Av. roque Saenz Pena (big intersection), there was a couple standing there with a map, looking around pointing. They were very clean cut- she latina and he looked partially latino/asian. Now we look like tourists since I love looking up at buildings and my other half always has the camera out. They crossed the street with us and then when we got to the other side, they passed us. There were some construction girders (which are all over town) and as we passed them, we both got hit with a bunch of DIRTY black water from above. Now we've gotten alot of drippings during our week here- air conditioners above, leaky subway ceilings, etc but it was the quantity that surprised us. We of course stopped and started reaching for paper towels from our bags. The couple, about 10 feet ahead of us turned around and started speaking in Spanish that we needed water to clean it off. They kept getting near us and I told them to stay away. The guy then said there was water in the courtyard that we were standing next to. I couldn't see it and he indicated it was around the corner. I knew it was a scam then since how would he know there was water around a corner since he was walking around with a map- he didn't know the area. They kept trying to approach us and I yelled at them to get away and held my hands out. I would have told my partner to run, but I'm afraid he would have run a different direction than I. Eventually, after another very loud yells and keeping them at more than arm's length, they started walking away. Then a 3rd person appeared from a doorway (apparently the water dropper that was above). They all walked to the corner and around it.. I ran ahead to see where they went and they all 3 got in a waiting taxi and sped off- even the taxi was part of it.
Lesson learned- if you get hit with dirty water, or the ketchup or ANYTHING- just GET OUT of the location that you are in. Don't take time to clean it up- LEAVE. I doubt the people who use these tactics have weapons, so hold on to your bags/wallets and remove yourself from the location.
We went to Cafe Tortoni, had a nice lunch, even though still rattled, then took taxi back to apartment to wash clothes/bags, etc which took some time due to the black black water they hit us with.
Just days prior we witnessed the table next to us at Plaza de Armas in Santiago, Chile have their bag stolen. The waiter told them to put it on that chair. You really can't trust anyone other than yourselves, since the waiters might be involved, the taxi drivers, etc. I'm not saying be scared your whole trip and these are very isolated incidents, but just beware of your surroundings, keep your bags around your neck or legs while sitting. Don't let some hoodlum ruin your trip!
Signed
A smarter traveler with each experience.
