How safe is safe?
We all know of countries that are termed as safe. I wouldn’t disagree, but what I know is that we ought to always be aware of our surrounding. Do not drop your guard just because someone said,that is the safest country.
Your safety is always compromised once there is someone else, unless of course you know what they are capable.
I travel alot, and through it, I have learnt to be alert at all times. Mostly following my gut. I have had quite some experiences, that have left me coming out as paranoid most of the times, but better be safe than sorry.
Scenario 1
California, L.A. USA
After an exhausting day of shopping, I arrived at the bus stop. I put my three huge shopping bags on the ground so that I could hail an Uber back to my hotel room. I took a few steps back just to avoid the noise from the rolling traffic nearby, my bags still in my sights, or so I thought. In my wildest dreams, I couldn’t think the residents of the land flowing with milk and honey would be interested in dispossessing a visitor to their famed country. But I was wrong and the perpetrator seems to have perfected their trade, I saw nothing, I heard nothing. One bag missing, US$100 worth of shopping disappeared into thin air. Even with Big Brother cameras watching the streets, I could not find help to recover my shopping. It’s a routine crime…”buyer beware kind of crime, park at your own risk or do not leave your bags unattended” kind of incident! I despaired, let it go and life just went on!
Scenario 2
Still in the enviable land of the Americas, this time in the Capitol, Washington D.C, my friend forgot her purse at a restaurant after breakfast. But on reaching the restaurant, the table we had just used a few minutes ago was cleared and clean. Nobody was about to own up having seen my friend’s purse.
We raised a ruckus, asked to see the manager. We want to see the CCTV footage. He declined claiming it wasn’t working. One of the staff members inquired about the description of the purse. He then walked into the back office only to emerge with the said Hermes bag, but completely emptied, including the receipt we just got from paying for our breakfast!
The police came in, asked questions even as the culprit became more agitated for calling police on him. But nothing came out of it. The police asked questions and then left to conduct more investigations. Meanwhile, my friend left the place penniless, not even a dime was left on her!
Scenario 3
Perth, Australia
Just about three weeks ago, I was in Perth in the land Down Under. A colleague of mine was eager to see the Elizabeth Quay Carousel. It was her first time. I told her it is just a walk away from our hotel. The experience was worth the while. We had spent so much time we opted out of visiting the famous Blue House, instead, walked back occasionally snapping away some memories in the sunny city streets.
We got to an old church that was closed for renovations.We decided to take some photos there. I went up the old staircase to pose for some pictures. We had left our handbags on the ground, mine rather reluctantly. As i took different poses, I noticed a man pacing towards us. My instincts told me to run for our bags as my colleague had not seen the man behind her. With my heart pacing, I careened past my friend, who stood there in utter shock, yet clicking away, as I tumbled towards our handbags. I beat the stranger and made away in the opposite direction, my friend in tow when she finally registered what was going on.
The next time you travel, stay awake even in those places that are famed as safe. There are always those elements who are out to make a quick buck if it looks too easy to pass.
Be always alive to your surroundings!
There I made a vow, never again will I act so, thinking its safe. My colleague was so not aware of what was happening even when she saw me sprint she continued taking pictures, it never occurred to her something was wrong, until she saw me grab the bags and the guy pass by.
She took a picture of me as I ran to get the bags…
I share this, for anyone,who feels it’s okay to let down your guard because it is safe, now, someone might have a pressing need and an opportunity displays it self. Don’t be the one to create the opportunity for someone.
Thus experiences have made me more woke than before.
Stay safe, be aware of your surroundings at all times.