Qui Custodes

More (and for the moment last) Travel tips

OK.  Just a few more thoughts on travel safety:

1.  Leave the nice watch and jewelry at home.  A nice watch implies that you have a lot of money.  Wear a cheap one you can afford to lose. But, men, don't wear a "military style" watch or you could be singled out for special treatment if they mistake you for a soldier on leave. 

2.    Don't order special meals. They call attention to you.  So I never order a Kosher meal on an airplane. Get vegetarian instead. 

3.  I love pockets and vests.  That way I can carry all my stuff in them. Medication, glasses, whatever I can't afford to lose it all fits into a pocket.  Better than a purse or backpack because it's harder to steal.

4.  Don't use your good cell phone.  Buy a cheap local local cell phone and get a pre-paid SIM card for it.  Cheaper, easier and if it's stolen so what? 

OK.  That's it for now. Safe traveling.

Another 4 travel tips

1.  Learn a few key phrases.  Not just "where's the bathroom?"  How about "Call the police!"  "fire!" or "May I see your ID (badge) please?"  You might also add "I don't have any more money." and "I left my passport in the safe."  I'm sure similar phrases will come to mind. 

2.  On a related point, Ladies there are many distasteful things you could say to an attacker that might dissuade him from raping you.  I'm not going to tell you what to say but telling a rapist you have an incurable disease or it's the wrong time of the month etc. etc.  has been known to dissuade him.  It's your choice but you should at least consider it and decide for yourself.

3.  Another related point:  Don't try to be a hero.  Don't be a smarta$$ to a guy with a gun. Be polite.  Do what they order your to do.  These guys didn't grow up on movies and they know guns are for shooting people, not waving around like a magic wand.  They'll shoot you in a heartbeat and laugh as you scream.

4.  When you get into a cab, keep your backpack in your lap.  In a crash it can make a dandy "airbag" to cushion a collision.

4 more travel tips

A friend of mine went to Tokyo and, after work, went out for dinner & a drink.  He woke up about 6 hour later.  Many thousands of dollars on his charge card.  So, watch out for Mickey Finns.  For you younger readers, that's a drugged drink.  Sort of like a date rape drink.  If you didn't pour your own drink out of the sealed bottle, don’t drink it.  If they get cranky, just tell them it’s an “old american custom”.

Cabs are another major source for muggings, kidnappings etc.  Do not let a stranger select a taxi from the airport for you.   Actually, that probably applies at the hotel too.  Be sure the cab driver is licensed and her/his face matches the license photo.  If there is no photo or license, be careful.

Once you get into the cab (or a rental car for that matter) be sure to *all* the doors,  A favorite stunt is to pop a door, grab your bag, backpack or purse & run. 

Finally, a frequent trick is a fake (or crooked) cop.  If a policeman tries to arrest you, demand to see some ID and use your cell phone to contact a friend.

Check your "6"

If you drew a clock around you, the "12" would be straight ahead, the "3" directly to your right, the "9" directly to your left and the "6" directly behind you.  Always check your "6".  That means look behind you.  We had a case recently near by where a couple were killed while walking on a park path.  No idea why--looked like a thrill kill.  What's significant is that they were hit from behind, knocked down and beaten to death.  Now, I don't know that seeing the attack coming would have done them a bit of good.  But it might have.  Additionally, if you are alert, attackers may choose to find some other victim. 

So always check your "6" and stay alert.