So, there we were--fairly seasoned travelers with our wits about us and being cautious, prudent, and aware, or so I thought. We had left Amsterdam earlier yesterday by train, en route to Bruges with transfers in Rotterdam and Antwerp. We were a bit frustrated as our original train had been cancelled so we had to wait one hour in Rotterdam for the next one. When we boarded, I put our two light carry-on suitcases in the overhead rack, along with my daypack and CPAP machine (a medical device for folks with sleep apnea). Sat down and just started to read on my tablet when that funny feeling came over me. The train was just starting to pull away and there had been two individuals who for some reason had stood out and raised my suspicions as they walked from the front to the rear of our wagon. Just then, the train began to pull away from the station and I looked up and behind me, and couldn't understand why I couldn't see my backpack and CPAP bag. Much to my regret and consternation, they were gone. I can't begin to explain the thoughts that ran through my head; but, after walking the complete length of the train, checking lavatories and overhead spaces, I realized they were not reappearing. Fortunately, our passports, credit and ATM cards, and cash were safely tucked in my money belt. The stuff in my day bag (jacket, camera, snacks, lunch, water, medicine, etc.) was gone. My greatest concern was that I have not been without my CPAP machine for over ten years and didn't know how I was gong to manage (fortunately have done alright). In retrospect, I think the thieves targeted us because my CPAP machine was in a case that was marked as medical equipment. perhaps they thought there were drugs or expensive equipment. Or, because the case looks like a computer case, they may have thought it was a computer. In the case of replacement meds, I visited a local doctor who wrote a prescription to cover essential meds through the remainder of the trip. It took about half a day to get stuff settled and we were back out there, enjoying Bruges and the wonderful chocolate, sights, and the beer . . . And more beer.
LESSONS LEARNED:
- When folks on this site sing the praises of money belts, there is a reason. Use them!
- Thieves are out there and targeting tourists, especially ones whom they think may have expensive stuff.
- When riding trains, if you put your belongings in the overhead rack, place them where you can still see them while seated. If you can't see them, you can't see them. And, if you can't see them, you won't know what someone is doing with / to them. In retrospect, I should have had some sort of bunji cord or something to tie or link or stuff together.
- Realize that sooner or later, challenges arise. By being as prepared ahead of time as possible (having essential papers and credit cards / money in a money belt), we were only inconvenienced and not paralyzed (although I have to admit it took me some time to get chilled out).