Comments on: How to Get Pick Pocketed: A Step by Step Guide

By: Jordy

Jordy — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 05:17:21 +0000

@Peter As a fellow New Yorker (born in the Apple, raised in the Garden State), I believe I was operating under a similar sense of misguided hubris. I really like to peel back the tourist curtain, and I try, for a few days, to live as much like a local as a rich foreigner can. Sometimes, this ends up scaring me. The Black Market scared me. The UB buses really scared me. And that’s why we do it…

By: Peter Archacki

Peter Archacki — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 03:43:47 +0000

Jordy…..Very good article….and really true! I had the same experience in Manila…I insisted on going to the Chinatown ‘black market’…..even when all my local Filipino friends strongly advised me not to (after all – I was a NEW YORKER and I knew all the tricks!)…..then, after surviving the Chinatown threat- instead of considering myself fortunate…..I decided that I had to experience the Manila subway system. My friend begged me to let her put my money in her purse – but I’m a NEW YORKER – no one pick pockets a NEW YORKER! The push/stumble/jockey/bump moves you described came at the 2nd stop – I was amused at how the locals bounced around…not like a seasoned NEW YORK subway rider…… They got my ATM card, my Amex card, my driver’s license, my work I.D. my cell phone (which was in the other buttoned pocket) about 4,000 Philippine pesos (only $88.00 USD) and most of my dignity! What a moron! Who wouldn’t flash all his money when buying a ticket and doesn’t everyone carry ALL their cards and I.D together in the same money clip! Like you, I would have gladly contributed all the cash I had – I had a nightmare trying to get cash for my last two weeks in Manila, but fortunately I got by with the help of some friends.

Thanks for a great blog – sometime I’ll tell you about another time I was ‘rolled’ by three 7 year old kids! That’s another good one!

Pete

By: Karan Twellman

Karan Twellman — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:05:23 +0000

I am really thankful to this topic because it really gives great information ,`-

By: Jordy

Jordy — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:04:24 +0000

I guess I could have been lured into a fake North Face jacket purchase, but I had plenty of backpacking left to do and not much spare room. I think I actually also bought crayons, paper, and pencils as gifts for the ger families we stayed with once we left the city.

I’m going to redo the blogroll, I’ll be sure to pass along some love when I do some site finagling.

By: JM

JM — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:59:49 +0000

Oh…and put me on your blogroll playa.

By: JM

JM — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:59:08 +0000

“Eat hunters. Eat.” I can’t believe you made it to that market and didn’t get a bit more creative with your purchases. Enjoyable read my friend.

By: Jordy

Jordy — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:47:56 +0000

Thanks for the kind words Emmanuel!

Of course I meant to be funny, but that’s really how you feel sometimes as a traveler.

It’s kind of like being bi-popular: “I can’t believe how kind and loving these complete strangers are” + “I can’t believe that everyone wants to rob and swindle me!” = traveling

By: Emmanuel

Emmanuel — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:37:39 +0000

The two lines

“Would that man steal from you? I doubt it…

But he might.” combined with that visual had me instant-LoLing.

I enjoyed this one. Thanks.

By: Jordy

Jordy — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:19:43 +0000

Chris,

I totally understand, it’s always about time (well, except when it’s about money, haha). I just think that Mongolia, more than any other place I’ve been, really exists outside of its capital city. UB is special, but not that special, ya know? You’ll just have to go and tour the countryside next time…it’s hard to get evicted from a ger…you should be fine! haha

By: Chris Guillebeau

Chris Guillebeau — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:30:36 +0000

Hi Jordy,

If I had more time, I would have indeed ventured to some other places outside UB. Fortunately, I didn’t get pickpocketed or have any problems aside from being evicted from my guesthouse.