Buenos Aires (Wednesday 19 October)

I arrived in Buenos Aires yesterday afternoon and today I have visited the inside of the Australian Embassy’s interview room and now I’m waiting at the local police station to file a report. It’s now 5pm so that is my day filled.

My backpack was stolen this morning while I was having breakfast at a cafe on a busy street. My backpack carrying my passport, camera, iPod and other stuff was at my feet when a man and woman came up to me asking directions. While I was helping them, somebody grabbed my bag from behind and ran off. The man I was talking to said they ran off in a direction so I went looking. I now suspect he and the woman were part of the ruse and of course the thieves had made off in the other direction. This was a professional sting and there will be no chance of recovery.

I have been to the Embassy and have organised an emergency passport, which I can get in days but it only has a few pages meaning I’m limited to the number of countries I can now visit on the way home. For insurance reasons I’m trying to file a report but things are very slow in the police station. Plus I need an interpreter. Interestingly I’m not that concerned at losing the camera apart from the cost to replace it. The photos of most interest to me are already lost so the rest has little emotional value.

And I payed $100 US for the privilege of this experience. Australians pay an entry fee to visit Argentina. We also pay an exit fee. The exit fee I will gladly pay that and I look forward to it.