Friday, December 23, 2011

Good cops. Bad guy.(s?)

We're off on vacation again...YEAH!  My dad rolled in last night and we've driven over to the Basque region near Bilbao for a bit more than a week.  The countryside through the drive was stunning, Spain really is an amazing country and the drive was fine, if squishy.

The downside?

The extremely professional and efficient pick-pocket who made off with my Dad's wallet in the bathroom at a one of those highway rest stops.

D*mn.

There was a very scary moment when we weren't sure if he'd gotten the car keys and the car too, which would have REALLY been a drag rather than a remarkable pain in the *ss.

The cops eventually came, the cards are easily cancelled, the biggest immediate hassle is the lack of a driver's license, so we had to wait around to fill in some forms so that we had something to show any subsequent cops.

They were very nice.  They didn't make us go to downtown Lleida to fill in the forms, they apologized many times and were generally quite civilised.

Poopy, but not major damage.  Fairly major irritation for my Dad, but we're all here and well, and that's what counts.  The guy was most impressive.

8 comments:

The Bodhi Chicklet said...

Holy shoot! What a thing to happen on vacation, in a different country. I hope your dad is able to let it go and just allow this unexpected change in his plans to unfold. I am thinking up particularly nasty curses for the pickpocket.

Anonymous said...

Holy suckola.....awesome to be in northern Spain tho! Merry Xmas and a great big hug to your family. Nomad

J.G. said...

Aw, bummer. You all seem to be taking it in stride, though. Nice that the cops did what they could to make it an easier process.

Have a wonderful holiday and a happy Christmas!

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear that. I hope there wasn't anything of importance that can't be easily replaced in there (family pictures?). And good that the cops were so friendly. I guess your Dad can ask Santa for a new wallet, then. Happy holidays, hope it'll get better from there...

thecatalanway said...

Oh I'm so sorry about that - what a bad impression for your dad. Hope you all have a wonderful time in Pais Basque and look forward to hearing how Christmas is celebrated over there. See you soon Kxx

oreneta said...

Kim, Yeah, my dad's pretty cool that way, and if you travel a lot it happens, it isn't the first time it happened to him, or to my mom either. Helps with the perspective.

Nomad, where are you all this Xmas? Who are you with? Paris? Merry Christmas to all of you indeed! It is BEAUTIFUL here!

JG, yeah, nice cops do make a difference...

ElP, nothing too bad, no photos or anything, the biggest hassle is the Ontario driver's license and health card.....he does keep it trimmed down. They didn't get the passport of the car, nor his phone, which would have been fairly awful too.....

K, he's been here before, and been robbed in other places before too.....crap happens. The Països Basques són IMPRESSIONANT! You should come up here if you get the chance...and I am being blown away by my ability to speak Spanish! Totally weird.

Hula Girl at Heart said...

Hmmm, I'm having flashbacks to Paris. Pick pockets are menace. At least you're taking it in stride. Enjoy the holiday and Merry Christmas!

oreneta said...

I thought of you......