Sardines — small, bug-eyed fish that are commonly associated with cramped spaces and people lacking taste buds.
Standing in a hot, overcrowded subway car in Athens, Greece, I found myself empathizing with those scaly creatures as a group of strangers and I packed our way into the train, leaving little space to even breathe.
Granted, in those conditions, you wouldn’t really want to in that close of quarters. After three months of consistent use, I’ve come to realize metros are the most intimate form of transportation.
I pressed my back up against the doors opposite of the ones I had entered just moments prior. A woman squeezes closer to my left side, I shuffle away in response, offering her the extra space I believe she’s after.
Despite the additional inches, she still moves toward me again. A sliver of intense purpose fills her eyes when they meet my own — determination that would shortly make sense to me.
Olivia Heersink | Argonaut
I continue to give her as much room as I can muster, which is quickly occupied by her body.
This dance continues for a few more seconds and with each new position, I tug my forward-facing purse along with me.
As I begin to move once more, my eyes flick downward as my feet glide to the right. Suddenly, I perfectly understand her reasoning for invading my space so frequently when I see her hand attempting to infiltrate my bag under the cover of her own.
Luckily, “oh, hell no,” is pretty universal, no matter the language.
During my time studying abroad, I wish I could say this was an isolated incident, but I’d be lying.
Something similar happened while I was visiting Madrid, Spain, except that time, the thief was successful.
Many other students in my study abroad program have dealt with these types of incidents, as well.
Before arriving in Europe, I had been warned multiple just how often petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, occur. However, like many people, I chose to believe that type of thing wouldn’t happened to me — until it did.
I had thought I was overly observant when traveling, so I wouldn’t have to worry about being robbed because I always had a good watch on my possessions, as well as those around me, and yet, all it takes is one second of diminished attention for someone to steal something.
Luckily, material things can be replaced easily, but unfortunately, your sense of safety cannot.
According to the University of Idaho Education Abroad Office, the best ways to maximize your safety while overseas is to blend in with your local surroundings, avoid crowds and make an effort to always be aware, especially when visiting unknown areas.
Following these simple steps will help you be much safer during your time abroad, and it’s also important to remember that even if it hasn’t happened to you, it doesn’t mean it won’t — avoiding petty theft is nothing to get cocky about.
Take it from someone who is a few euros poorer at the hands of someone else. It is better to err on the side of caution than naive confidence.
Olivia Heersink can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @heersinkolivia