Not really a holiday situation but, many years ago while working in California I was at a loose end one Sunday and decided to go out for a walk. I hadn't got too far from the Motel I was staying in when I came upon a small shopping mall. I decided to explore a bit, went into a couple of shops, bought some cans of Coors, and for some reason some disposable razors. Anyway walking back on the pavement, people were tending their gardens etc, I said Hi to most of them and had just stopped to chat with man cutting his lawn, when he backed away from me and went into his house, turning round I saw the reason for this odd behaviour, a Black & White police car had pulled up just behind me. It proceeded to pull up alongside me, the back door opened and the driver said "get in the car", what? Why, what have I done? Just get in the car buddy replied the cop. Best not to argue I thought so I got into the back as requested, the door closed on me, what the **** is going on I thought. Looking round there were two cops in the front, seperated from the back by a metal grill, the back windows were also metal grilled, no door or window handles either, Jesus I appear to be in deep **** here. One of the cops then asked me what I was doing, just out for a walk I replied, been to the mall and bought some stuff. Where are you heading was the next question, just up there to the Motel I replied. You're not from round here then, said the second cop, no I'm from England and I'm working in the area. Any ID was the next question, no not on me, it's all in my room. So they then drove to the motel, one of the cops asked me my name and room number, got out and went to the motel reception. After about 10 minutes he returned and said OK, got the key, lets go check your ID. On the way to the room I noticed that the cop had undone his gun holster, even more confused now I started burbling about not having any drugs etc, which only increased the cops waryness. After searching my room, getting my papers, visa, passport, drivers licence, he then told me to go back to the car, following just behind me, get in the car I was told. They checked my papers, rang the company contact I was working for before telling me I was free to go. Handing me back my stuff, I asked what was all that about? The reply......"don't walk on the sidewalks buddy"! WHAT, you've put me through all that because I was walking on the pavement? No walking on the sidewalks on a Sunday in this town buddy! With that they drove off leaving me a bit confused and angry. Some stupid bylaw almost got me put in jail! ILD OTBC
Think Goldeneagles story is up there! Sounds like a classic night. Sad to see other people have experienced the **** side of Barcelona, it is ruined by pricks who prey on tourists we went there last February and ended up barely relaxing due to the thieving scum. On Las Ramblas me, one of my best mates nearly got a scrap with five North African chaps who tried to rob his missus's camera. Then on the subway I shoved a little coward over who tried to go through one of my friends handbags don't get me started on Barcelona lovely city the Catalans are wonderful people but it attracts some sub human scum. Great thread idea Carra keep the stories coming.
