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Post by WillTravel on Apr 16, 2007 15:47:04 GMT -5
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Post by Eagle on Apr 17, 2007 0:50:55 GMT -5
WT, thanks for posting that!! A very interesting and somewhat entertaining article. A good example of what can happen when travellers become too complacent, and "let their guard down".
I encountered a similar experience in the Cinque Terre last fall. Several American tourists were victimized on the local trains, and at least one girl lost a number of documents including her Passport. That causes all kinds of problems! From what I could gather, they figured they were in a quiet rural area, so "let their guard down". I was told by people that live in the area, that professional thieves from Genova and other large cities, regularly travel on the small local trains as they know it will be a lucrative trip for them!
One related note concerning us Canadians. I've heard a rumour that the Canadian Consulate in Milan has been closed, due to "cost cutting" measures. I haven't confirmed it yet, however if true that would be a problem for any of us that were unlucky enough to "lose" a Passport in that area. It would probably mean a trip to Rome to get it replaced?
Happy and safe travels all!!!
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Post by madamtrashheap on Apr 17, 2007 1:48:18 GMT -5
Yep, Canadian Consulate in Milan was closed at the end of March and all staff moved to Rome. I do recall there being a Canadian Consulate in Florence a few years ago (could be mistaken), but I believe that closed long before the Milan one - so all roads lead to Rome now as only the US still have a Consulate in Florence. Milan still has consulates for a few other countries (Australia, South Africa, UK, Croatia, China, etc). Interestingly, although just as far, there's still a consulate in the Holy See!
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Post by me on Apr 17, 2007 9:53:13 GMT -5
how interesting, just looked at www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/menu-en.asp which shows Milan to have a Canadian consulate, still. at usembassy.state.gov/ i see that US has one there and in Florence, among others. (but, Canada has consulates in 2 other places with no US mission)[fortunately, i have yet to loose my passport. just a matter of time, undoubtedly] One related note concerning us Canadians. I've heard a rumour that the Canadian Consulate in Milan has been closed, due to "cost cutting" measures. I haven't confirmed it yet, however if true that would be a problem for any of us that were unlucky enough to "lose" a Passport in that area. It would probably mean a trip to Rome to get it replaced? |
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Post by pointofnoreturn on Apr 17, 2007 11:10:07 GMT -5
Very interesting article. In the end, the guy was lucky to be able to get back home without incurring exorbant charges.
This is definitely a must-read for any first-time traveller!
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Post by herrbert on Apr 17, 2007 19:51:50 GMT -5
I agree, but what do we learn from this:
- watch out on public transport
- don't look too much like a tourist. (know where you are going on subways, as it's only tourists, that always seemed to be lost)
- double check the airport your flying on/off (esp. with Ryanair, I might add)
- a big hurray for e-tickets? (you can't loose them)
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