I read they have very relaxed punishments for non-violent crimes, but very harsh punishments for violent crimes. Which would explain the high nonviolent burglary and pickpocket crimes, yet very low murder/assault crimes. That combined with the vibrant social / family culture, sun, great food, apparently creates a good environment for peace, despite high poverty and unemployment.
We are doing Excursions at these stops.. Sticking with the group... Tue Naples, Italy Wed Rome (Civitavecchia) Thu Florence/Pisa (Livorno) Fri Cannes, France Another reason we are flying out early to make sure we don't miss the boat... T_Man
I love Barcelona. One of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Don't waste your limited time waiting hours in queue to visit the most touristic spots though, it can take hours and hours. No, there are huge issues. Spain has big problems with violence against women, many huge scandals lately. Especially the infamous "wolf gang" which was punished by the judges with almost nothing but fines. Their law has a joke definition of rape and sexual abuse which allows criminals and gangrapists to be set free without even going to prison. Only today there were huge demonstrations because of the huge numbers of women murdered by their partners. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...-in-spain-after-19-women-murdered-by-partners
I’m currently in Barcelona. The metro is extensive and super easy. We took a taxi in from the airport via the freenow taxi app (it’s basically uber) but that was only to accommodate family, otherwise I’d train and walk everywhere. I get that pick pocketing is a thing but so long as you have a shred of awareness it won’t be an issue.
Question... Are you able to your credit card with out any issues... My wife was reading somewhere that they ask for your credit card pin code... T_Man
A lot of people speak English but either way communication won’t be much of an issue. Same with the credit card. It works the same way as in the US. Pin if debit. Sign something if it’s credit.
I've been here 1 day and 2 nights so far. Flipping plane from Dublin was delayed 3 hours. So far, so good. Great vibe to the city and after 1 night I already feel comfortable walking the streets in the middle of the night. Haven't been pickpocketed even once! I will try out the recommendations in this thread tomorrow.