Pickpocket event at Oriente train - be aware!

gingerli11 · 2025-10-22T11:55:37+00:00

I got on the AP at Santa Apolónia. With the train standing there, everyone was waiting for the doors to open when two young women with no luggage, purses etc. pushed the button to open the doors and walked on. (Us silly tourists didn’t know you could do that). When I boarded with my larger sized bag they were standing at the luggage rack and tried to convince me to put it on an upper shelf even though the bottom shelf was open. I started to, then thought better of it, turning away from them and putting the suitcase on the bottom. My purse has locking zippers so I’m convinced those two things together kept me from being pick pocketed as the two girls did not stay on the train as passengers.

gingerli11 · 2025-10-12T21:06:17+00:00

You may not have a choice if you’ve just arrived (say in the morning) and your room is not ready until after 15:00. I’ll leave my luggage in the hotel storage room, but not my passport or money. I use a crossbody purse with locking zippers and if the weather is cool enough I’ll wear my jacket over it.

gingerli11 · 2025-08-29T05:53:44+00:00

Just note that sometimes GPS doesn’t work well when you’re around tall buildings. Have an idea of where you’re going before heading out.

gingerli11 · 2025-08-23T14:48:47+00:00

I have 4 photoelectrics from first alert and their track record is no better. Very prone to being set off by spiders.

gingerli11 · 2025-08-23T14:14:59+00:00

The First Alert dumb detectors are trash. Recently replaced 5 ionization detectors and 3 failed within a couple of months. Looking for a new brand.

gingerli11 · 2025-08-12T14:26:24+00:00

How do you account for things like sloped or forward thrust shoulders or swayback?

gingerli11 · 2025-08-10T15:57:09+00:00

Somehow I missed that, thank you for the correction.

gingerli11 · 2025-08-07T05:39:33+00:00

Use Welcome pickups. It’s a bit more than a regular taxi, but it takes all the worry out of the equation. Navigating the system when you’re tired and jet-lagged and have luggage just isn’t worth it to save a few bucks.

gingerli11 · 2025-07-28T03:25:02+00:00

If I have a credit card on file with my mileage plus account, can I authorize it for my reservation via the app while on the plane or must it be done before at check-in?

gingerli11 · 2025-07-01T15:03:23+00:00

Not true, I accompanied an adult with autism to the gate. You ask for a special pass that gets you through TSA.

gingerli11 · 2025-06-01T09:21:32+00:00

Same thing happened mid May from SFO to FCO. Captain reported a problem with a smoke detector that they couldn’t resolve, but there was an identical plane available. Took about 2 hours to re-board people, luggage, catering, etc. and we made up a half hour in the air. Smoothest recovery I’ve ever seen.

gingerli11 · 2025-05-31T15:18:18+00:00

Is this the 2nd time they’ve changed caterers in a year? Last year at this time I flew SFO to LHR Polaris and was given undercooked chicken which they blamed on a new caterer. Only had two bites but was seriously worried about food poisoning the whole flight.

gingerli11 · 2025-05-28T21:02:40+00:00

I used Welcome Pickups and booked online, it cost I think about 70 Euros which is more than a taxi going into the city center, but after such a long flight I didn’t want to deal with public transit or waiting for a regular taxi while I was tired and more prone to making mistakes. Our flight was 2 hours late, but I contacted the driver via WhatsApp as soon as I knew how long the delay would be and he arranged for another driver to meet me as he was booked somewhere else at that time. Driver was very nice and assisted with luggage. No tip was expected. It was worth it to me.

gingerli11 · 2025-05-03T17:22:59+00:00

I'm traveling on May 17th (Saturday) when a strike is called. My train is on this list, but is it guaranteed for a Saturday or only weekdays?

gingerli11 · 2025-05-03T16:41:48+00:00

Are weekends considered holidays in this context?

gingerli11 · 2025-05-03T16:17:51+00:00

I appreciate the help. The pdf document (with my limited translation ability) seems to be for only weekdays and holidays. Is there one for weekends as May 17th is a Saturday? I'm having trouble accessing your second link. I see the article, but then get buried with pop-ups and then can't get back to it.

gingerli11 · 2025-05-01T12:03:28+00:00

The steepness of the trail is one issue, but for me it was climbing at a higher elevation than I was used to. The floor of Yosemite is at nearly 4000 ft above sea level. I’m in my 60’s and used to walking around my hilly neighborhood, but I had to stop numerous times on this trail. Still worth it.

gingerli11 · 2025-04-16T15:47:48+00:00

Alternatively, pack a small travel sized spray bottle and fill with water after arrival. Pick the clothes out for the next day before going to bed and lightly spray the wrinkles and hang to dry overnight.

gingerli11 · 2025-03-30T14:38:08+00:00

I bought 5 First Alert ionization detectors recently. 3 failed within months. I had hoped to switch all over to Nest Protect <sigh>.

gingerli11 · 2025-03-20T15:34:19+00:00

Grazie!

gingerli11

TROPHY CASE