Let the baby hit the floor
Trip Start
Jul 06, 2008
1
3
Trip End
Jul 17, 2008
Bloomington, Indiana
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Told her about Gypsies
In summer 2003, a new gypsy scam was reported to us by tourists in Rome - 'Baby Tossing'!
A young gypsy girl, woman or man will appear to accidentally drop her baby, or even throw it into your arms... While you reach out to save the baby from falling, you'll probably drop your camera or wallet, allowing other gypsies to quickly move in underneath you to pick up what you've dropped or rifle through your pockets like lightening while you hold the baby. They then obviously run off with your possessions, leaving you holding the baby - which you'll then realise is only a plastic doll. Cute, eh?
Some gypsies may even start attempting this with a real baby - They'd sooner have the cash... The real baby may be one they've actually kidnapped from another tourist, something else they're adept at.
I told Jacqui we need to practice throwing babies at her.
Update- comment from Trip advisor
The pickpockets may be more of a threat on the buses and metro trains. The 64 bus is notorious for pickpocket activity, so although it goes to a lot of attractions I was afraid to use it. Suggestion: Leave your passports, extra credit cards, anything you don't need to have with you in the hotel safe. Also, wear a money belt. My girlfriend didn't carry a handbag and secured her credit card and money in a little pouch that attaches to her bra under her shirt.
