The Med Thread - All Sailings - Mediterranean

[nordkin]

I don't know if tis has been asked and answered, but how safe is the subway system in Barcelona? We are trying to decide whether or not to do the hop on and off bus tour or to purchase the Barcelona Card for the subway.

 

[konslerg]

I don't know if tis has been asked and answered, but how safe is the subway system in Barcelona? We are trying to decide whether or not to do the hop on and off bus tour or to purchase the Barcelona Card for the subway.

We were talking to friends on Wednesday who have been to Barcelona a number of times and they said the subway system was great and easy to use. They didn't say anything about safety specifically, but encouraged us to use the subway to get around. I don't think they would have done that without mentioning safety if it had been totally UNsafe ...but they DID mention the pick-pockets in Barcelona (and on the subway), so make sure your passport and money are safely tucked away somewhere other than your pockets.

 

[taysmom]

When I was looking for a book on Barcelona, the employee helping me was from barcelona..small world. Gave some great tips, including to not "look like a tourist" which will save you from the pickpockets. He said the metro system was great and highly recommended it for ease and convenience. Just said not to have the travel books out or cameras around your neck. Keep your purses/backpacks closed etc. He said to think of how you go out in San Francisco, which I live close too. Pickpockets are everywhere just keep you eyes open. My biggest concern was taking the metro to my hotel from the airport and his suggestion was to keep my suitcases turned toward me. But overall said we should have a fabulous time. Just be on your guard like you would in any large touristy city..new york, la, sf etc.
I have been pickpocketed on a plane travelling to atlanta so really no where is safe if you let your guard down!
S

 

[woody73]

. . . I have been pickpocketed on a plane travelling to atlanta so really no where is safe if you let your guard down!

On a plane, wow! How did it happen?

Woody

 

[PURTYPAT1]

On a plane, wow! How did it happen?

Woody

Hay Steph,

Please tell us.

I have 2 freinds that had problems in Barcelona.

1st My BF & her husband went to Barcelona & had there carryon stolen in the airport, as soon as they landed. It had there laptop in it & there credit card. It was horrible.

2nd. My neighbors were in Barcelona last year. In the subway, someone thru a pail of water on them, & ran off. People came to assist them, & help them clean up, all along they were helping themselves to my neighbors pockets. They got there wallets & money.

I guess we have to be on our guard, at all times, & wear a money belt inside our clothes. I am going to put most of my money in my shoe & bra.

Can you tell I am from the NY area. LOL

 

[nordkin]

Thank you for the responses. We are still considering our options. We are not concerned about ourselves or our daughter as much as we are my mother. She may seem like an easy mark because of her age. We will take have to watch her carefully and make sure she does not carry anything she can't afford to lose to a pick pocket.

 

[taysmom]

For all those wondering...about the plane...I believe that my seat mate went through my purse while I was in the bathroom. I was 6 months pregnant and got up ALOT to use the facilities. Plus, my sense of smell was heightened during my pregnancy and the man did have an odor so I spent alot of time out of my seat complaining to the flight attendants (who also smelled his foul odor). Unfortunately my plane was full, but the attendants were kind enough to let me stand in their galley area for most of the flight. I didn't even think about my belongings while I was up. My purse was inside another larger bag with books and other things to occupy my time.
I was very upset and if anyone knows atlanta airport, I had to trek to the other side of the earth to file a report then trek all the way back to catch my connecting flight. On the flip side, while I was sitting waiting for my connection crying, a nice man came up to ask what the problem was and if he could help. He was very nice and made me feel better and when I looked up from my self pity crying I realized...it was Jerry Springer. How funny! Now I leave my purse in the overhead above me and make sure I take up the whole overhead with all my stuff! If I have to share, I watch like a hawk if someone opens during the flight.
I too am worried about carrying all my belongings as I know my dd really won't be a big help wheeling the luggage around, but I will keep all my valuables duct taped to me if I have too!

Steph

 

[woody73]

For all those wondering...about the plane...I believe that my seat mate went through my purse while I was in the bathroom. . .

That's awful!

Woody

 

[MJGirl]

Just got off the phone with DCL and here are the suggested tips for the 11 day cruise:

Dining Room Head Server - $10.50 pp
Dining Room Server - $40.50 pp
Dining Room Asst. Server - $29.50 pp
Room Host/Hostess - $39.75 pp

Total $120.00 pp

Does this sound right to everyone?
__________________

 

[MrsJobba1]

Just got off the phone with DCL and here are the suggested tips for the 11 day cruise:

Dining Room Head Server - $10.50 pp
Dining Room Server - $40.50 pp
Dining Room Asst. Server - $29.50 pp
Room Host/Hostess - $39.75 pp

Total $120.00 pp

Does this sound right to everyone?
__________________

Hi

I used the cruise tip calulator and worked out the 11 night cruise for 2 people as
Server 80.96 *** serv 58.96
Head Ser 20.46 Stateroom 79.42 -
Total $239.80 £122


So yes!

 

[MrsJobba1]

Hi

I used the cruise tip calulator and worked out the 11 night cruise for 2 people as
Server 80.96 *** serv 58.96
Head Ser 20.46 Stateroom 79.42 -
Total $239.80 £122


So yes!

oops I think my abbreiviation for assistant got blocked

sorry

 

[taysmom]

So did they say if this in american dollars? Can you charge it to your account? Should you charge it to your account?
Any thoughts....
S

 

[MrsJobba1]

So did they say if this in american dollars? Can you charge it to your account? Should you charge it to your account?
Any thoughts....
S

Yes the $239.80 was in US dollars and yes you can charge to your account.

 

[MJGirl]

Hi all... I was at the Doctor's today (regular checkup) and he suggested something to assist with jet lag that I would like to pass on. He suggested taking Melatonin. You can get it at a health food store. It is a natural, non medicinal sleep aid. You take it an hour before you want to sleep. Melatonin is the hormone your body gives off to help you sleep or something. It might help you adjust to sleeping off hours for the first day or two until you adjust to Europe time. I figure if my Doctor takes it when he travels overseas, it can't be bad. Thought I would pass this on!

 

[DenverVal]

Interesting... thanks for the info and I'll check it out. I would be interested in what it has to say about giving it to teenage kids. Mine get really cranky when they're tired.

 

[MJGirl]

Interesting... thanks for the info and I'll check it out. I would be interested in what it has to say about giving it to teenage kids. Mine get really cranky when they're tired.

My Doctor said it would be okay for my 16 year old. It is non-narcotic and non-addictive, and is already naturally found in the body. It just tries to trick the body into thinking it is bedtime!

 

[taysmom]

I plan on giving my child her allergy medicine about an hour before the plane ride...that usally puts her right out at night. Gotta love allergy season for that alone!
S

 

[DenverVal]

My Doctor said it would be okay for my 16 year old. It is non-narcotic and non-addictive, and is already naturally found in the body. It just tries to trick the body into thinking it is bedtime!

Thanks!

 

[Skallywag]

Quite agree with the information on Melatonin. You can purchase it in your country even in Wallmart I think here in the UK we have to send to the World wide health who operate from Guernsey. Understand it is used widely by air crew to get their body back into balance which is understandable.

 

[AnnaS]

You will find it in the vitamin aisle in your local grocery/supermarket. I have never used it, but might buy it and give it a try if we have to. Thanks, good to know.