getting robbed on the road | Stowaway Travel Writing & Editorial Services

Check out my piece about getting robbed abroad over at The Billfold! (You read about it briefly here.) It was a strange and mostly unpleasant experience, but it makes for a decent story. Here’s an excerpt:

I looked over to check the time, and my purse wasn’t there. My brain couldn’t quite process this. I checked behind me, in case it had fallen over. There was nothing. My brain started to catch up. I leapt to my feet and looked around frantically, but my purse was nowhere to be found….

I couldn’t believe it, I still can’t believe it; this couldn’t happen to me, but it did. I’m mad at myself for being careless. I’m furious at the thief. I’m ready to leave town.

Feel free to leave comments at The Billfold and spread the story around!

Things Not to Say to Someone Who Has Just Been the Victim of a Nonviolent Robbery (all true things I heard within hours of having my purse snatched in Peru)

“You really have to be careful with your things.”

“So you were just sitting there writing? He didn’t hold a knife to you or anything? How did you not notice?”

“You know the police aren’t going to do anything, right?”

“They’re only material items.”

“Oh, you’ll be upset for a couple days, but after that you’ll feel so free and unburdened by the things of this world.”
Note that it is particularly vile to pontificate thusly while holding an iPhone 5.

The One Truly Helpful Thing to Say to Someone Who Has Just Been the Victim of a Nonviolent Robbery

“That’s terrible. I’m so sorry! Can I buy you a drink?”