It pains me deeply to write this and I’ve made several trips to Barcelona in the past, including one on a RS tour and love the city deeply. Having said that I do want to warn about crime in the Barri Gotic. I was running there in the morning and was accosted by a burly bicycle rider who asked to talk with me but then slammed me in the head and fought me for my cell phone. I resisted and he got nothing and got back on his bicycle and went off, perhaps looking for easier prey. I appreciate that this can happen in any city, including the one in which I live but never had this happen in Barcelona. Keep your wits about you and use prudence when out, especially in the early morning. Having said all this I am going to go back soon and this won’t keep me from a city I love.
Posted by
London
2380 posts
Sorry that happened to you. Hope you're doing ok. Wishing you the best.
Posted by
OP
131 posts
Thank you so much. In Tunis now planning to run.
Posted by
London
2380 posts
Are you travelling alone? Hope you have someone to talk to. Feel free to post more if you need to get it out your system.
Posted by
USA
429 posts
I'm really sorry this happened to you.
Posted by
OP
131 posts
Thanks very much to you guys. Yes traveling with my wife. All turned out ok and things are fine.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1716 posts
Unfortunately, solo joggers and runners, often are targets for predators anywhere in the world. We must be cautious about being alone in quiet places. Women should have a companion or escort at night. I was at a business meeting and my hotel was just down the street; I asked one of my associates to walk with me to the door of my hotel for peace of mind. Keep your phone in a pocket so you are more aware of your surroundings. I live in the PNW and my last reccomendation is never go off in the deep woods alone. We had an "expert" mushroomer get lost and was found dead from a fall.
Posted by
USA
364 posts
Sorry you had this incident, but glad you are safe. As you all are now probably aware that a missing American college student was found dead in the ocean off a popular Barcelona beach, it reminds us that we should not put ourselves in compromising positions & always be aware of our surroundings/location. In Milan a "child" tried to grab my iPad mini while I was looking something up. On the other hand, a few days ago while in a small city in The Netherlands, a kind gentlemen could tell we were lost and approached us to give us directions. Unfortunately, not everyone is so helpful and well-intentioned.