My Almost-Robbed-But-Not-Today Story And Some Safety Lessons

Picture this: a sunny day in Barcelona, me on my way to the bus station, minding my business and probably looking like the perfect “tourist-target” because it’s winter in Barcelona, and I was wearing only a bright pink T-shirt. 

Out of nowhere, a woman steps in front of me, beaming with a rose in her hand. “For you,” she says, offering it with the kind of insistence that immediately screams scam. I was already hip to this trick—they give you the rose, then guilt you into paying for it. Not today, lady.

But then she switched up her pitch. “It’s free! It’s a festival!” she insisted, showing me two shiny cents in her hand as if that would somehow convince me. I smiled politely and replied, “I don’t have cash,” which was half true. She looked at me with disbelief. Then came the bold move—she leaned closer and tried to get me to open my purse. Excuse me, ma’am!

Now, here’s where things got funny (at least in hindsight). I had a big old book in my purse that was blocking all my important stuff from view. She peeked in, hands trying to dig in, sighed audibly, and then snatched the rose back like, “Never mind.” All the while, I was clenching my purse like my life depended on it but keeping a calm, internal smirk. 

Lady, you tried. A for effort. F for execution.

It’s wild how quickly these situations escalate. One moment, you’re strolling down the street, and the next, you’re navigating an impromptu test of street smarts. Looking back, I’m grateful for a few key things that helped me avoid a true mishap. First, the book was my unintentional savior. Who would’ve thought that lugging around that novel I’ve been meaning to read would turn into my personal safety shield?

Let’s not forget the timing of it all. This scammer caught me on a good day—I wasn’t in a rush, I wasn’t distracted, and most importantly, I wasn’t lost. Had any of those factors been different, I might’ve fumbled. It’s moments like this that remind you to stay on your toes when traveling in unfamiliar places.

Lessons Learned from My Almost-Robbery

1. Carry a Big Book in Your Purse
   It’s a multitasking queen that makes you look intellectual and respectable, while also acting as a literal barrier to your valuables. Who knew reading could be a safety hack? Bonus: it’s also great for killing time on public transport.
2. Hide Valuables in Plain Sight
   My secret weapon? A small black pouch that looks like it holds feminine hygiene products. Turns out, thieves are less interested in your “time of the month” kit. The less your valuables look like valuables, the better.
3. Stay Calm and Confident
   Even if your heart is racing faster than a tapas bill in a tourist trap, pretend you’ve got it together. A confident “No, thanks” works wonders. They prey on hesitation and fear, so showing none throws them off.
4. Smile and Say No First
   Smiling confuses them. They expect panic, not politeness. Throw them off their game, and then follow up with a firm “no.” It’s amazing how much power a simple, calm refusal holds.
5. Know Where You’re Going
   Study the map before you leave or only check it in a safe, visible spot (like in front of a shop window). Wandering aimlessly is an open invitation to opportunists. Plus, knowing your route means you’re less likely to stop in sketchy areas.
6. Trust Your Gut
   If something feels off, it probably is. My scam radar was already up when she approached me, and that awareness made all the difference. Trust those little alarm bells in your head.

This little misadventure could’ve gone sideways, but instead, it became a story I’ll be telling for years. Moral of the story? Sometimes it’s the unexpected life hacks—like a big book and a fake period pouch—that save the day. Also, learning to keep your cool under pressure is a skill worth practicing.

Traveling, especially solo, teaches you a lot about staying sharp. I’ve always believed that a little preparation goes a long way. Trust me on this because I have solo-travelled to big notorious cities and all had a wonderful and safe time!

Whether it’s organizing your bag strategically or mastering the art of saying no, these small habits can save you a world of trouble. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll leave the situation not just unscathed, but with a funny story to share.

So, to anyone out there exploring new places, take it from me: carry a book, protect your purse, and stay unbothered. Safe travels, and may your adventures always end with you as the hero of your own story!