|
|
9 May 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
|
|
Was just robbed $500! Do not money on you in S.A.!
Hey guys, I have been staying at my girlfriends apartment in Buenos Aires. To make a long story short I had $1000 US (in Argentinian pesos) that I received as a deposit for selling my motorcycle in Paraguay. I kept $700 US in my money belt which was inside my bag on the floor of the apartment.
Today I went to get money out of the money belt and was shocked to see only $200 out of the $700 US. I do not suspect my girl friend, but think that it was one of her friends or the doorman who has a key to all the apartments (most likely the doorman because he knew that I had sold my motorcycle and none of my gf`s stuff was robbed).
I have never been robbed of cash like this before. On the trip I have been very careful not to carry more than a $100 at a time until now. I figured that I was a week away from flying home and taking the risk of carrying the money was better that Western Union of 5%.
I was very wrong not to use Western Union and 5% was very cheap for protection in South America.
|
9 May 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hulme or India, this year
Posts: 285
|
|
Que mas?
Another day, another lurid 'Be afraid of everything foreign!' headline from Gatogato. I don't know you, and I really can't be sure whether you're the world's unluckiest palooka or a shrieking drama-queen. So I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and wish you better luck in the future. And respectfully suggest that you have another think about your list of suspects. And maybe change the thread title to 'I lost some money - don't lose money anywhere in the world cause it makes you feel like a plonker' cause this incident isn't relevant to your location or its security.
Suerte, Dan
__________________
Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...
|
9 May 2008
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by gatogato
I figured that I was a week away from flying home and taking the risk of carrying the money was better that Western Union of 5%.
|
I am not sure how it is that you manage to attract so much bad luck....but I do know that if you'd kept your cash on your person, you'd be $500 richer today. Leaving it unattended in someone's apartment—especially when a variety of people know you've got it—is asking for trouble.
|
9 May 2008
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by gatogato
Hey guys, I have been staying at my girlfriends apartment in Buenos Aires.
|
yada yada yada...
Sorry Geoff...sounds like you're having a rough time, but how did you score a girlfriend in Beunos Aires being a mennonite from Des Moines?
All kidding aside...its awful to read the subject of your recent post, and your blog itself...sorry to have it happen to you.
BUT IF I were to meet a girl while riding in Paris, left ALL of my money in my bag at her apartment...and came back and it was missing...should I post on the HUBB....=> Europe is a crime spot...avoid it...blah, blah, blah?!?!?
Bottom line: the world is no different in Beunos Aires than it is in Des Moines....in both places, the good people out number the bad...except Washington DC with a Republican administration in office
|
9 May 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
|
|
This is exactly the reason why I ALWAYS carry ALL my cash on me at all time. I leave a few hundred in cash in my leather belt for my pants, some sewn into my clothes (cargo pants are good for that as you don't see the stitching) and the rest in my waterproof money belt.
|
9 May 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
|
|
Oh no! That's really bad luck dude - so close to coming home too.... At least who-ever took it didn't clear you out, take the positives from this - you've learn't a valuable lesson about money on the road - next time I'm sure you wont leave it on the floor of your latest conquests bedroom!
Good luck with getting home, sounds like you need a little R&R in your home country!
Incidently what else do people do to protect their cash? I'm going by the simple method of not carrying much - but very intreaged about sewing it into trousers etc - does it stand up to the trip?
m
|
9 May 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
|
|
Yep, it does and is as old as travelling itself. The military do it according to some books. It's even easier with motorbike gear as it has the pockets in it already. Just stick it in those zip lock baggies for water proofing, and it's fine. Just remember about it when you wash it.
I'm the same about not having hardly any cash for usual use, but it's a good insurance.
When I used to backpack and hitchhike, I used to just get some thick enough cotton or whaterever material to sew a sleeve, sew it around 3 sides, and some velcro inside the top. Than sew that into a place in your pants, or other piece of clothing where you wouldn't see the stiching. Hence the gargo pants idea. Those leather belt with the zipper inside are great also. Nick Danziger's trip is the earliest I've seen those. I just ran into one before I read his book. Make sure you put enough money in either of those for a flight somewhere where you can get relief. But not too much incase you do loose it. DON'T put it into footwear. My mate has lost 300 bucks that way.
In ten years I've never had to use it, but you never know.
|
9 May 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
|
|
Aerostich do a great nylon money belt (Oh! I forgot! I have it on!). Looks cheap and nasty, lasts (so far) forever, and it's infinitely adjustable to cope with 'n' steak-related gut expansion and dysentery-related shrinkage.
|
9 May 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan 23
Another day, another lurid 'Be afraid of everything foreign!' headline from Gatogato. I don't know you, and I really can't be sure whether you're the world's unluckiest palooka or a shrieking drama-queen. So I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and wish you better luck in the future. And respectfully suggest that you have another think about your list of suspects. And maybe change the thread title to 'I lost some money - don't lose money anywhere in the world cause it makes you feel like a plonker' cause this incident isn't relevant to your location or its security.
Suerte, Dan
|
Just had to laugh at this reply, brightened up my day! As a reply to someone elses question...Maybe she is a purchased girlfriend?
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
|
9 May 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mattcbf600
Oh no! That's really bad luck dude - so close to coming home too.... At least who-ever took it didn't clear you out, take the positives from this - you've learn't a valuable lesson about money on the road - next time I'm sure you wont leave it on the floor of your latest conquests bedroom!
Good luck with getting home, sounds like you need a little R&R in your home country!
Incidently what else do people do to protect their cash? I'm going by the simple method of not carrying much - but very intreaged about sewing it into trousers etc - does it stand up to the trip?
m
|
Hey Matt, thanks for the kind words. It stinks that there are people on the Hubb like this flaming **** in the post above. I can only wish the same luck for him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoEdde
BUT IF I were to meet a girl while riding in Paris, left ALL of my money in my bag at her apartment...and came back and it was missing...should I post on the HUBB....=> Europe is a crime spot...avoid it...blah, blah, blah?!?!?
Bottom line: the world is no different in Beunos Aires than it is in Des Moines....in both places, the good people out number the bad...except Washington DC with a Republican administration in office
|
Yeah Edde, I think you are right. It was definitely an error not to keep it on me. Better yet I should have just sent it by Western Union.
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf
I am not sure how it is that you manage to attract so much bad luck....but I do know that if you'd kept your cash on your person, you'd be $500 richer today. Leaving it unattended in someone's apartment—especially when a variety of people know you've got it—is asking for trouble.
|
My luck has been a little crappy in Argentina, but I guess it is good to be ending my trip without any really bad luck.
I did not tell anyone that I had the money with me. I did tell some people about selling the motorcycle though.
Last edited by gatogato; 9 May 2008 at 14:46.
|
9 May 2008
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 895
|
|
south america
hola gatogato,
everytime I come to the HUBB I see a new thread of yours, accidents, difficulties selling the bike, corrupt police and so on.
you know, if you are always negative, of course you will always attract negative situations.
your are on my favourite continent, and believe me, I have seen a bit of the world.
please stop telling everybody in every of your posts how dangerous South America is.
I spend two years, and 80.000km on the bike in South America. Two of the best years of my life. And I did not have any problems that I did not cause myself. Even when the police in Brazil handcuffed me, I was about to beat up a young stupid car driver.
BsAs is one of my favourite places, so dont be stupid and leave your money somewhere in a corner and than complain.
Saludos
Mika from Finnland
|
9 May 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Shropshire, Blighty
Posts: 346
|
|
Mika, I agree wholeheartedly. Gato wasn't happy slurring SA once, he had to do it twice! BsAs, is one of my favourite places too, with lovely people. I don't want to promote the impression that South America doesn't have problems, and bad people. When things go bent in Latin America, they really go bent. But in years spent travelling in 14 countries of the Americas, I really cannot recall having anything stolen or being involved in violence. Hell, I've never even paid a bribe! My experience of living in the UK however is quite different.
__________________
How much does a man live, after all?
Does he live a thousand days, or one only?
For a week, or several centuries?
How long does a man spend dying?
What does it mean to say “forever”? - Pablo Neruda
|
9 May 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
|
|
Hey guys, sorry if I have been ragging on South America lately. That was not my intention.
The message of this post should be to always take extra precautions with money when traveling (especially in lower income countries) and not to get lazy with your money ever like I did.
This is an embarrasing subject to talk about. I did not tell any of my friends at home and I only write about it here to try and help others make the same mistakes.
I know these kind of things happen to others on the Hubb, but many are far too proud to post about it or relate to it.
|
9 May 2008
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: albury nsw australia
Posts: 306
|
|
the old what comes around goes around
girlfriend my ****ing arse, how long you beenin that town, trust her ,how long you known her just cause she ****s you dont mean she loves you ,just your money sucker,she was waiting for the moment take a reality pill ,you have been bleeding us dry with your dribble
oh and all the do gooders who keep saying, a bit of youthful enthusiasm ,my arse , ther guy is a whining snivelling dick and as far as entertaining ,well maybe i would rather read a nice entertaining trip report , or watch cow poo go hard
Last edited by thecanoeguy; 10 May 2008 at 01:26.
|
9 May 2008
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
|
|
To the CanoeGuy and all the Gatagato Haters,
Whoa guys...lets not start the hating that's equally awful to the negative comments GG initially posted...
Karma is a b*ch and its not worth jinxing ourselves with the wisdom of retrospect.
I think he gets it...and not because of our posts.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|