Miguel: Tour Guide or Pickpocket?
Around the middle of April we were just approaching Pamplona when a slender elderly fellow approached us.”Hello, my name is Miguel “, he said. He then started walking along side us. He started to show us points of interest in his town. “This is our government building, beautiful no?” And then “this is our university” I thought “what a nice guy” and I was thinking that here is a lonely retired guy who feels useful by greeting visitors. I took a photo of Miguel & Angie in front of the university – see photo above!
The traffic light turned red, we stopped and Miguel was ardently looking across the street. It was at that point I received a tap on my shoulder. Thinking it was Angie, I turned around. To my surprise it was a well dressed business man in his forties. He looked directly at me. With his left index finger, he pulled down the corner of his left eye. Then with his right index finger, he forcefully pointed at my pants pocket ! All this was done behind Miguel’s back. We knew immediately what this international sign language meant. I abruptly told Miguel we have friends to meet and must say goodbye. It was at this point when some woman in her sixties comes running up to us from across the street and tries to make idle conversation. She knew Miguel. That is why he was looking so intently across the street. We said a forceful goodbye and we took off in the opposite direction.
Miguel: tour guide or pickpocket? – You decide.
Mike & Angie On The Camino de Santiago 
Little angels and little devils all along the way? Cant believe its mid May and you will be coming to the end of your journey soon….be safe…love you.
May 19, 2013 at 3:08 pm
We had a similar experience in Barcelona, whereby a fellow approached us and said “be careful, you are being followed by a pickpocket”. We were very thankful that we were warned. Another life experience!
May 19, 2013 at 3:31 pm
Gypsies are all over the place in Europe and we Americans are fantastic prey.
Hey, I just found out that Meredith Kronja is engaged. Good things are happening all over.
¡Buen Camino!
May 19, 2013 at 3:54 pm
Something very similar happened to us in Barcelona. A man approached us and told us we were being followed by a pickpocket in a narrow street. Later our friend we were with noticed his pocket was slashed, but nothing taken. The very next day several gyspy women and two children tried to join our small group, but a tour guide warned us we had been “joined” by pickpockets.
May 19, 2013 at 6:51 pm
Always follow your internal signals. Growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, I learned from the best how to protect myself. Thank s for kind strangers who warn the unaware:) All the best, be safe. Hugs, Pamela
May 19, 2013 at 8:18 pm
Thank God for the third person that broke up the scam. There’s always one/two isn’t there. One good thing….this will keep you on your toes. Love, Mo
May 20, 2013 at 3:13 pm