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Alas, I had to leave Kiev again, just as the weather was getting good. The last 2 weeks or so were quite warm and the girls on Khreschatik were out in force showing us what they have. As usual I often sat with other ex-pats and admired the scenery walking by. Sure will be depressing to think of the girls there when I get back to the U.S.A., and I will certainly miss the good times there. However, I will return again for more either later this year or next year.
I have made a number of friends in Ukraine, and may even try to do some business with some people there in Kiev. Living there can be good but also has it's bad points.
As an example, I went to get a train ticket, taking the Metro to Universitiet( for those who know the Kiev metro) and during the course of the ride my pockets were picked of my wallet AND my passport. I did think it somewhat strange at the time, since the people around me were very slow getting onto the metro and the guy in front actually stopped when he should have kept going into the coach.
Someone pointed out that my glasses were on the floor, then at a stop someone else mentioned that there was something on the floor. I looked down and saw my passport laying there. I picked it up, then checked my pocket for I always keep them buttoned up. The pockets on both sides had been un-buttoned and my small wallet was also missing with my credit card in it. I started looking on the floor for my wallet, hoping to find it. I moved people all around looking on the floor, but couldn't see it. Some people told me I had best go back to the last stop and look down on the tracks for I may have dropped it there. But my pockets are always buttoned up, and I got off the metro and started to cross to the other side when a young guy came up and handed me my wallet. I was elated, of course, and after checking the wallet, the only thing missing were all of my business cards and bank receipts. And they were jammed in there tightly and could not just fall out. So all of you who go over to Europe, guard your items very carefully. That was the 2nd time I had had my pockets picked.
One guy who has been living in Kiev for 9 years has had his pocket picked 6 times, and has had his passport stolen once.
Those pickpockets can spot us across the street. And be aware of the old 'dropped wallet trick'.

... in response to Bad timing, posted by europete on May 17, 2003

sdrharg

... in response to Try bathing suit with velcro pockets/Exp..., posted by Scaught on May 18, 2003

Kiev to pull out a few bucks.

... in response to Re: I can see pete dropping his pants in..., posted by wsbill on May 18, 2003

[This message has been edited by Scaught]

Hey, this works for me. One of my friends was robbed of his money belt in Old Europe-- the robber checked for it. However, few robbers will say "Drop your pants."

Just go the bathroom and get some cash out just before it's needed, and keep it in your hand. No need to drop one's pants in public. If it's just a few bucks and it doesn't matter if it's ripped off, keep the few bucks in a pocket, and casually walk with your hand in that pocket. The rest of the money for the day stays in the bathing suit. Guaranteed to work. However, it IS embarassing when you hand someone money and a few tell-tale, kinky pubic hairs are included in the transaction. A Chastity Belt with a change pocket has the same drawback, wouldn't you know.

... in response to Re: Re: I can see pete dropping his pant..., posted by Scaught on May 19, 2003

I tie it up a little, (or cut and sew it if I have the time) and wear it under my clothes, so it sits against my ribs.  I wear it against my side, so the string won't be as obvious.

Once I am at the apartment, I leave all pertinant items at the apartment and only take cash with me.

... in response to Bad timing, posted by europete on May 17, 2003

You could wear one of those fishing vests with
a million pockets.  Even the pockets have pockets.
Maybe the bad guys will still get your stuff,
but at least they will have to work for it ;-)

Or maybe you can find special cargo pants.
(Something I just made up.)
It has pockets in the front that are only
accessible through the zipper.

"pardon me, I'm just accessing my special cargo."

... in response to Bad timing, posted by europete on May 17, 2003

I learned 25 years ago that money belts work great. Another idea is to have your jeans and a pair of dress pants have a sewn in, zippered, inner pocket for your goods.  Your Mom or any taylor will do it for 10 bucks.  (Mom was free.)

Never lost a thing...but been bumped several times...just wear a belt around your waist and you can't be "picked."

... in response to Bad timing, posted by europete on May 17, 2003

http://www.ukrcam.com/main/web_camera.html

... in response to Bad timing, posted by europete on May 17, 2003

...any experienced traveler already knows: money belt.

I don't mean the cheap belts, I mean a true waist or neck setup. They'll hold all your stuff, including your PP. About 8 bux at any good travel store.

... in response to Bad timing, posted by europete on May 17, 2003

Pete - sorry to hear the bad news and thanks for the warning.

... in response to Bad timing, posted by europete on May 17, 2003

I can only tink that you must have been an easy target.  Sure I had some ifiot try and pick my pockets in Kiev voksal but it was pretty obvious..  I have never experienced any theft elsewhere other then one time when I left my mobile phone on the desk while I wa using teh internet cafe..  So,me gypsi looking dude cam up to me begging something and whilst I thought it was a bit wied did not think about my mobile...  lieing there one minute gone the next.  In the end I blame myself looking back it was obvious...  Other then that I have never really experienced any theft.  To the contrary I found most Ukrainians to be very honest... I would get back the right change, down to the kopek at the market and on the bus...  

If your ripped off I think you are to blame to some extent...  mind you the risks in Ukraine is far less then on the streets of New York or London or Rome...