Wandering Boots, Travel Ordeals: Wallet stolen in Paris

There are times during many trips where something beyond your control happens. It might go smoothly during one journey and on another everything happens to go wrong and you have to figure your way out of the problem and might even solve it at the same time. When solo travelling you could be way outside your comfort zone and on the road without a support network outside of people on the other side of the world. The recent 8 week journey I went on over to Europe and England did develop some unexpected problems. Problems included having my wallet taken and my luggage not arriving with me when I landed in Singapore.

In all my time that I have been overseas, I had not encountered many problems and thought I had been lucky until I reached Paris. Before this I had encounters that gave me cause of concern over where I was staying especially in Copenhagen. I think it was something like dumb luck there. Right outside of the hostel was an ATM and I was on my way for a day out in Malmo in Sweden. Early morning and I was thinking I was safe enough as it was daylight. I needed some money, so withdrew some and several men were across the road hanging around the steps to the train station. One crossed the road diagonally behind me, talking loudly behind me, causing me to look behind me. I had heard of this type of distraction, but never witnessed it before. I got my money out and one of the men apologised to me that he had scared me. Then went on to ask if I would like a surprise. I started walking away realising I was going in the wrong direction and turned around following a lady with a bag. The men spoke to me as I went up the stairs into the train station, but I did not speak to them. I did speak to the hostel about the incident and they had never heard of something like that happening before. Then a guest starts talking about people stealing push bikes in the city and also one night a group had tried to pose as police, but they took off when he replied back that he was FBI.

In Paris, I had a walk about before I left for the train station to head to the airport and I was walking down some stairs at the Sacre Coeur and I spotted two men at the bottom like they were looking for tourists. They spotted me as there were few people around and one of them did call me, ‘Hey, Bro come here’, I just wandered away from them heading towards some locals. The real incident happened when I was trying to board the train for the airport. I had thought an hour or so before that buying the ticket to the airport would be the safest option as my wallet would not be out in the open and I was at that time not carrying my bags. All trainlines at that time were working perfectly. I wandered to the hostel and grabbed my bags, which meant I looked like a battering ram as I made my way to the station again. Turns out the line I needed to catch was now out of order and blocked off, which meant I had to find the new platform and get the train from there. I wandered down to the platform as there were two platforms on the bottom level and only one of them being used for the airport line. It was crowded, people wanting to hop onto the train. I walked down and watched before going back up and asking to make 100% certain I was on the correct track. I was and went back down. The next train overshot the platform a touch and I nearly decided to wait for the next one, but pushed myself on and dropped my bags as it was extremely crowded outside and inside. Bags were everywhere in the aisles. There was yelling as people passed over my main bag as it was heavy and my backpack was beside me. I managed to get a seat while watching the chaos. Alarms went off and people got off and others got on as people were getting frustrated. As soon as the train started moving, I felt for my wallet in my cargo pants pocket. It was gone and the pocket open.

My first thought with my vanished wallet was they have everything as I had three types of bank cards together plus my drivers license. Two travel cards and my direct debit card were in the wallet. Only reason, I had the cards together and not separated was several days before, one of my travel cards had been blocked and I had to call the bank to unblock it. There had been issues in France through using my cards from outright not working to working or in the case of Mcdonalds saying there was no transaction, when there actually was one made. Then I realised they didn’t have everything as I kept my credit card separate and hidden with my passport in my backpack. I asked on the train if anyone had seen my wallet and people said no and asked what colour it was. One of them even said without moving that they will look for it. A French lady said that she will take me to the police station at the airport as they will speak English. I realised that I could access my cards via online banking as I did happen to have data roaming on my travel card. That came in handy when I could connect to the bank as the signal kept dropping out. I could literally see money going out as I started transferring it out before cancelling the card instead and my direct debit card as soon as I cancelled it, I got a new one sent home. I was slow off the mark, but I managed to save the rest of my money and I transferred all out of the account just to be safe. They were that quick in using the stolen cards at what looked to be a flower shop of sorts. They did get around $700 with conversion fees on top that ended up around $800, which was a weeks pay and I had only just been paid too. I did the same with my travel cards, but those I had to phone up to replace later on.

 When we got to the airport we found trying to find the police station to be tougher than expected. No one seemed to know if there was actually one and that included the military police that were wandering around with their guns. I was told by the lady that it was arrogance on their behalf. We ended up at the checkin counter for my plane and the guy there sent me to the assistance area, which I would end up after sorting my bag as I could set that to head off onto the plane. I did thank the French lady for her help even though she was likely late for her flight and I hoped she would have been on time for hers. I went to the assistance area and found they were the people who helped those in chairs and elderly onto the plane, but they did help me by grabbing one of the other airport workers who directed me to the police around the corner. I did give them all the details thinking I wont be there for long and that the lady who could speak some English was helpful. I was asked several times if I wanted to make a report and I said yes as I thought my travel insurance would need it. They took my passport and boarding pass where an officer would be with me soon. Around 2 hours later after watching my passport walk up and down stairs at least 3 or four times, I was getting anxious at the time running out for my flight. I was getting very close as the officer gave me paperwork to sign and I was off and running. I was even stuck at the gate after one of the immigration guys decided to go home and there was one passport stamper. I pleaded my case politely with the guy who was watching the line and he walked me to the passport stamper and off I went thinking I was very late. I was 5 min on time before my flight started boarding. By this time I had no lunch and nothing to drink either. I was not even sure if the pay wave on my credit card would work or if it would actually work. I only had foreign currency on me.

I didn’t tell family or even friends until after I landed about what had happened as I knew mum was in bed and needed her sleep and everyone else didn’t need to worry about me. It was around 9pm in Australia when I was sorting out the police stuff. Everyone was long away on the other side of the world, so couldn’t really help other than moral support. It was something I needed to deal with and actually turned out to be relatively easy and simple.

The saga did continue when I landed in Edinburgh, but I was happy to be there and I was drained. I changed what little money I had left over to the pound and that wasn’t very much, but it was something. From memory, I think it was something like 16 pound as I had Danish notes and Singapore dollars. I went to catch the tram into the city where I was staying and I inserted my credit card as I had been informed tap and Go wouldn’t work. I was getting upset when the card was rejected twice. I tried tap and go on the ticket lady’s advice and that worked. I did end up calling the bank about my travel cards as soon as I got into the hostel and I was feeling down. The cards couldn’t be sent to me as they had to arrive via home and then be sent on. I found my credit card works and also that I could withdraw money out, which eased some fears. I couldn’t increase my credit card limit as that was rejected. I wondered how I was making these long phone calls without being charged and found they were reverse charged. It was the next day that I rang to soprt out my credit card and to ease my fears of the bank swallowing my only means at accessing money. I explained to the guy on the phone as I had to ring in Australian bank call centre opening hours. I somehow had my card linked to my savings account and he told me I had to find the right ATM that would give me the options. I never actually found that type of ATM, but I made sure to separate my cash when ever I withdrew it. I felt happier once I spoke to the bank at home about the issues and they did help. It took me several days to talk to the bank again about the fraud and they looked into it and it was only several days later that I got my money back as I gave them the exact amounts and where the money had been taken from.

It took just over a week for my new cards to arrive in the UK as they had been posted home and then express posted to a post office. I activated one travel card immediately as I had money on it to pay for my next accommodation. I was lucky in that respect as all the placed with the exception of one had already been paid for before leaving Australia. I do consider myself to be very lucky as I only lost my wallet and drivers license that I reordered a week later. I didn’t use my travel insurance as the bank in my opinion took care of me, but there were small continuing issues with the long lost cards as some train tickets you could not retrieve without the card you purchased with. I bought new tickets, but nearly all the places I had already had a ticket in hand, so travel wasn’t too put out. I did have a new wallet too by that stage and I kept my cards separated and my only ID now was my passport, which made me fear losing that or the problem of it quite possibly getting wet.

There were other small problems like trains being cancelled and the biggest one was my luggage didn’t arrive in Singapore with me and I was actually happy, I didn’t have to carry that around through Singapore just on dark as I ended up getting lost going to the hotel. I was more than happy to stink my way through Singapore even though I did have help with clothes. I did however have chargers and powerpacks on my person luckily. That’s another story of fun and I learnt so much about my ability to handle pressure. Just shrug and move on.

Wandering Boots Tour: Day 55 Coming Home

By the numbers

Bag 24 kilos

1 book

18,821 steps

14 kms.

I didn’t have that great a sleep in the hotel, although I think that was due to the fact my last day in Singapore would be today. I would have to pack my clothes before leaving as I was going to leave my bags with my friend Dawn as I didn’t fly out until later that night, which is annoying in some ways. I prefer leaving in the early afternoon, but due to the time difference it is around a 7 hour flight so would reach Australia in the morning around daylight. The weather looked like it would be another hot day.

Making sure I had enough time as I wanted to be checked out before the weather became too hot and also finding it strange that it isn’t light til around 6am as I have been woken up by daylight in the UK that has come well before 5am. I found breakfast and then sorted out my room before leaving. I caught a bus that would take me to where Dawn lives where I would drop my bags off. The good thing is I could se Google maps to anticipate where the bus would stop and when I would get off, which makes life pretty easy. The fact the map can show you the entire bus service and where it stops is pretty good. I can follow instructions as I met Dawn and dropped off my bags before heading off for something to eat as it was close to midday. We had to go out anyway as I was wanting my itinerary to be printed off and being Scoot, I wanted to make sure as it was something they wanted. I don’t know if those guys become annoyed when you don’t follow their instructions or even refuse to let you board. I didn’t really have any plans and made a plan to visit the Botanic Gardens on the go.

It did get busy while I was on the train and I was only taking two different trains to the Gardens. I also didn’t want to run out of time, so wasn’t going to spend too much time at the gardens.  It was actually a short ride, what with the changing of stations and simpler than most trips. It was beginning to heat up and I found the gardens were actually a UNESCO heritage site, so it must have been good. Some of the history was interesting as parts like near the MRT station was run by the military something to do with growing food and had a specific name that I cannot remember off hand. I did see on the map that there was a shop with an Orchard section, so I made my way to that area while trying to stay out of the sun. The shop did have my attention and maybe due to it being cooler there too. Did I mention that it had gotten to be a very warm day and that I was dreading going back to the airport as I was just going to sweat like no body’s business? I was actually surprised by how busy the Botanic Gardens actually were during the day. I have no idea if it is open at night. I walked back the way I came and found that there was a heritage walk that I could do. While that little bit of information would be helpful, I don’t think I could do the walk as I would really run out of time.

I had to jump back on the trains and make my way back to Dawn’s place to pick up my bags as it was basically that time that I needed to leave. I had been told that I was out of my mind wanting to walk to the MRT station that would take me to the airport, I just needed to catch three trains. It wasn’t far of a walk to meet up with Dawn and it was actually funny as there is security at her place and I got lost trying to get into the building. I went in through the wrong door, which was actually the wrong building. Nothing like a hotel type foyer that connects you anywhere. I am just that good at getting myself lost with simple instructions. Dawn met me down stairs and we sorted out my flight itinerary and learnt that others have trouble trying to lift my bag as it is heavy. I didn’t stick around too long after a shower to refresh myself. I did end up walking the 10 or so minutes back to the Novena MRT station. I must have looked to be a weird sight walking up a overpass and onto the station. I did get lost in the shopping centre as I thought I knew a shop that was near the station, but I had to walk through the shop with my heavy bags.

Walking through the station, I knew I needed the Town Hall station to get the train that would take me all the way to the airport. I carried my bags onto the train instead of on my back as I don’t want to wipe people out. I stood on the train as people left and crowded on. Everyone seemed to be quiet and no one making a fuss. Once I made it to the train that took me to the airport, it was then everyone with bags appeared. I had to stop once I arrived at Changi to check to make sure my plane was still leaving at the right time. I had at least an hour and half at the airport before I could even check in. I made my way with a luggage carrier as they are the best things since sliced bread to use. I found where I needed to go and sat reading nearby while marvelling at the manual flight board flicking over as the times changed. By the time I was ready to leave I sorted out my check in at the terminal as I wasn’t exactly sure if I was a normal customer or since my upgrade if I was now a business class passenger. I followed the line with everyone else and the guy sorting me out never told me I shouldn’t be there. Once my bag went off into the yonder with all the other bags, I made my way to the immigration to go through into the terminal so that I could eat and get a passport stamp. They have my thumb prints so it is all good.

I found the food and then took to taking a wander looking for my gate. I knew some gates were basically in the back of beyond away from everything. Looking at several shops along the way, I vowed to return for a look until I ended up at the gate that was well away from everything else. I had another hour before the gate would open as they have the security checks before you get on at every gate. Nearby was one of those snooze lounges and an entertainment area with movies showing. No sound though. I wandered back to where the book shop was to have a browse and found nothing that would be good to read at the moment. I didn’t want to add to the weight of the bag unless they weighed it when I passed through security. Wandering back, I ended up sitting in on a movie while changing my sim card so I could remember the number since I couldn’t with my travel sim. I was wanting to use the wifi and the airport wanted the phone number. Very annoying when that happens. The gate did open and the security were working through a line of people and the time to board seemed to get later. I don’t even think there was a loo on this end of the security.

Once we were able to board the plane people stood up even though they were told the first three rows. I was actually in row 2 on the plane, so front seat rebel. My seat was very comfy leather type seat and I was in an aisle, which I somehow think I will do next time I fly. That means no waking others or telling them I will be a pain in the ass. I could even see the door of the plane where I would exit. The next best seat would be in the cockpit with the better views and the pilot sounded like an Aussie. We did get a water before we took off and once in the air, we were given a complimentary drink that we had told them what we wanted. I could have gotten alcohol, but chose not to. There were no TV for me on this flight as I had to use an App on my device being a phone. It would be around 7 hours to fly and I had a book. Turns out the book lasted around 4 hours into the flight while annoying the person next to me with my light. We did get fed in between and fill out immigration cards for Australia. I didn’t actually sleep on the plane other than quick snoozes. By the time we landed, I found just how cold it was back home and I thought it was refreshing considering I had been in the heat of Singapore. There was a flight from Japan that had been before us, but they had collected their bags. We had a little bit of a wait before the bags were unloaded and the sniffer dog were checking the bags, but mine came later. I think it was lucky that I had clips that clipped the main bag to the smaller bag as that zipper had somehow parted, so the two bags were half hanging off. That told me I will need to replace my bags before another long trip overseas. How the closed zipper parted would have been due to someone trying to pick the bag up and the weight wouldn’t have helped either. Nigel was even waiting for me when I exited the baggage area and into the main part of the airport. I was tired, but would crash later on in the day as the jetlag caught up with me.

This trip has been a huge learning experience and have pushed me to the brink and back especially with having my wallet taken. The wallet incident did knock me around a little bit, but in some strange way it kept my bags light as I went around the country. I will use that experience as part of my travel to say I have had it done. That was not easy, but I persevered and went on with my journey regardless. I was only really lucky that I had accommodation paid for already, so didn’t need to pay until I reached certain locations. Some accommodation, I might not stay in again. Not really due to the distance from transport as there were some really nice places that were homey. Several were a little too far from places to buy food like where I stayed in Brussels as an example or even locations I stayed at around 10 years before were looking a little tired now. I kept an eye on everything including if doors closed properly or even if I accidentally broke the security by entering. Uber Eats might be a handy resource especially in countries you do not speak the language. They do seem to get preference over other people who are in the shop. I was usually the only person up around 7am in the morning, which meant the loos were mine to use without major problems and I could eat and run.

Wandering Boots Tour: Day 54 Wandering Singapore

By the numbers

20306 steps

14.9 kms

I spent the night tossing and turning as it was likely due to the very long sleep I had the day before, which was something like 14 hours to try and get over the jet lag. I felt better than I had the day before and I was wearing some borrowed clothes that I was provided with since my bag hadn’t turned up. I thought it would appear around 10pm at night, but I went to bed without it and a touch annoyed. I went to leave the hotel and the bag was waiting for me in the foyer. There was a time stamp to say when it had been delivered and that time was 0440 am. I grabbed my bag and took it back upstairs as I was happy to see it and put on some clean clothes before going back out.

I did apply to see if I could get an upgraded through bidding for a business class seat to see what that would be like on my trip home, but if not I will put in for a heavier bag allowance as I know my bag weighs more than the 20kilo that is required. I had breakfast and went out to Novena Station where I met up with a friend, Dawn who I hadn’t seen since she was in Sydney. All I really knew was that it was very muggy. We ended up on Orchard Road where there was a shopping centre that had a nice themed library. Seems that Singapore in certain places have themed libraries like this one in the middle of a shopping centre was to do with design. The shelves were all wavey, which was different to what I have seen before. I didn’t know each library was different and I would see another one later down near the marina that was to do with music. We did have a look around through some MRT stations and even at the Marina Jetty, where there seemed to be many military people around. There were a few container ships around and the weather was getting more humid by the minute. That would be something that would be happening throughout the day with streets. We tried to visit the art gallery and the building was closing at 2pm and we couldn’t get in even though I could not understand what the security bloke was on about.

Both Dawn and I visited the library on Marine, where I was finding connecting to the wifi in Singapore annoying as it wanted my phone number and that was something I did not really remember. We parted ways and I stayed in the library within the nice feeling of the aircon before moving on. I walked down to the marina down to where the merlion statues were and there was a huge crowd braving the heat until I crossed the bridge to find the military were everywhere and I waited until the escorted groups were gone before crossing anywhere unless they became annoyed with me. I was hunting down the location of Raffles landing place from the early 1800s, although there was another one of a king who landed earlier than Raffles who discovered the island. The next place after that was Canning Fort and that took me past the Parliament building. The fire station was an interesting art deco type of building. I walked up the stairs to Fort Canning to find the security guys were around where the old cemetery is as there was some event going on.

Off down the hill I went looking for the train station so I could head back to the hotel as the weather was very humid and hot. I was actually dripping wet from the heat and needed to stop. I still had to walk back to the hotel, but it was refreshing when I actually got that far. One of the buildings I walked past was the hospital, so at least I know where that was. I grabbed dinner on the way back and had to hit the shower or else I would stink the bed as I was literally wet. One good thing came out of putting in for an upgrade in bidding for a better seat and that was willing a bid for a better seat. I am now in business class for the last 7 hours of my plane journey home. So we shall see what that is like and see how the other half live. I have one last day of my trip basically, where I fly out at night, which is a good thing and hopefully get some sleep.