Watch your wallet and other valuables
We were aware that pickpocketing and other "petty" theft is more of a problem in Europe than in the US, and this was our 10th trip to the continent. still, we were almost victims of a wallet snatching. After visiting the Prado we stopped at a sidewalk cafe within view of the fountain in the picture. We were tire, so we ordered a cool pitcher of Sangria to relax as we lookedthrough our guidebooks to pick the next adventure. Soon, three women from three generations of proble Gypsies came up to our table and began shuffling through our books. Worried that our books might be stolen, three of us reached forward toward the table to control the fracas. Luckily, Jaimie had the presence of mind to realize the goal might be something more valuable and spied the older woman near Marie's purse, which was sitting on the seat beside her. He grabbed her arm and she dropped Marie's wallet. A very close...
