Safety Secrets

I am writing in response to the article “Spanish Attack,” Dec. 15. The letter writer says that he was robbed of a shoulder bag containing his passport in the Puerta del Sol. If he had done even the smallest amount of reading on European travel he would have known to keep a tight grip on purses or bags at all times and to never carry passports or valuable objects anywhere except in a money belt under your clothes.

I am a 21-year-old female who has done extensive traveling in Europe and lived near the Puerta del Sol for a year and was never bothered, much less attacked. I believe that the secret to safe European travel is to not appear vulnerable to thieves and to not make it easy for them by looking like an ignorant tourist. Spain is one of the most interesting and diverse places I’ve been, with the warmest and most helpful people. Please don’t let one man’s unfortunate story keep you from experiencing it for yourself.

DANIELA MUNDT

Santa Barbara