[z3mms]

Me and one of my housemate are planning to visit Barcelona on 11th - 15th Dec 09. If anyone will be around there during that period or would like to jump in, do inform me so that we can plan something up.

[AlvinLuo]

Please do take good care of your belongings..

I went there last year and have witnessed few pickpockets trying to steal stuff from tourists. They are very brave and they come in a group of 6-7 people and surround you to avoid other people seeing them stealing stuff.

There are many con artists too at the Rambla Street and be very careful on those. Don't bet anything as it seems very easy to win.

[z3mms]

Thanks for the tips... i had a friend who just lost his laptop and wallet when he went to visit Spain earlier this year.
Will check out Rambla street but definitely wont bet on anything (never trust betting anyway )

[AlvinLuo]

Got no idea why barcelona ppl like to steal stuff.. last time I used to love europe but now when I think of going I will think twice about the safety lol..

You should watch the 3 match box with a paper roll ball inside. They will mix the 3 match box and let you guess where's the paper ball in. That one is really interesting. I like their misdirection and also the way they handle the match box. Nobody can win the con artist.

[pwkhang]

hi z3mms, nice meeting you first of all. Wondering which airline you taking to Barcelona.

[z3mms]

As usual... Ryan Air .. it will land in Girona and we gotta take a bus down to Barca.

[z3mms]

Alvin, on 11 October 2009 - 01:05 AM, said:

Got no idea why barcelona ppl like to steal stuff.. last time I used to love europe but now when I think of going I will think twice about the safety lol..

another of my friend also had a pickpocket experience before where she was approached by a men claiming he's a cop and wanted to check her wallet for IDs and stuff.. end up taking all her Euros before that an accomplice came to ask for directions probably to make her stop walking in the first place ..cheeky

[AlvinLuo]

z3mms, on 11 October 2009 - 10:31 AM, said:

another of my friend also had a pickpocket experience before where she was approached by a men claiming he's a cop and wanted to check her wallet for IDs and stuff.. end up taking all her Euros before that an accomplice came to ask for directions probably to make her stop walking in the first place ..cheeky

That's so unlucky..

Seems like 30% people on the street are pickpockets.. cause 30% of my friends kena pickpocket in europe lol..

[ksl656]

Luckily I didn't get anything nicked from me while i was there, though nowadays its not enough to worry about pick-pocketing but also "push-pocketing".

Allegedly, the crooks will try and "push" something in your pocket (wallet, phone, music player etc) and then go around blaming you for taking their stuff. They will then argue with you and create a scene or confusion, leaving an opening for someone else to take your belongings! Worst case is you get taken to the police station and get thrown in jail.

Not sure if this is a myth or true story since I read it over the internet. Nonetheless, can never be too careful. Barcelona is a beautiful city and apart from the sights and scenery, I recommend to go try out "La Fonda", a reasonably cheap restaurant to get delicious Paella. The place is always full, and i mean ALWAYS so go early (which is 8pm by local standards).

[z3mms]

As the date is getting closer, anyone with experience, any suggestions or a must-see attraction in barcelona?

right now i have the following must-see or must-visit:

sagrada familia (obviously!)
park guell
a couple of gaudi buildings
la barceloneta (the beach?)
gothic quarter + las ramblas
mount montserrat - just outside of barcelona

and...

anyone had the experience of going to andorra from barcelona? im just wondering if a day trip to andorra is practical or not, and what means of transportation options available..

[AlvinLuo]

I think you have covered all the places I visited.. haha..

Have a nice trip there!

[r1d3r]

z3mms,

how's your trip? why don't you put up some pixs and comments on places you visited?