Gallimaufry#133

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

Urban peddler

 I can't figure out what he was selling, though.

TRAVEL TALES

Traveling as an Asian tourist in a Western country can sometimes feel like you're wearing a "scam me" sign. I've almost fallen victim to scams multiple times, but thankfully, our tour guide always had our backs. Even within the safety of our group, shielded by our knowledgeable leader, we encountered the audacious ploys of two brazen gypsies in Athens. Story here.

Allow me to share some of my cautionary tales so you can stay one step ahead and enjoy your travels without falling into common traps.

BRACELET SCAM

The bracelet scam is a common trick used by scammers in various tourist hotspots around the world. Here's how it typically works:

1. Approach: A scammer, often friendly and seemingly harmless, approaches you. They might strike up a conversation or simply walk up with a smile.

2. Bracelet Offer: The scammer quickly ties a bracelet around your wrist, sometimes without asking for permission. They might say it's a gift or a token of friendship.

3. Friendly Chat: While tying the bracelet, they engage you in a friendly chat to distract you. They might ask where you're from or compliment you to make you feel at ease.

4. Demand for Payment: Once the bracelet is on, the scammer's demeanor changes. They demand payment for the bracelet, often at an inflated price. They might claim it's for charity or insist you agree to buy it.

5. Intimidation: If you refuse to pay, they can become aggressive or call over accomplices to pressure you. The goal is to intimidate you into paying rather than causing a scene.

6. Payment: To avoid confrontation, many tourists end up paying. The scammer then moves on to the next target.

ART SCAM

The art scam is another crafty tactic used by scammers in bustling tourist areas. Here’s how it usually works:

1. Street Setup: Scammers set up a display on a busy street, presenting themselves as "artists" with various art pieces spread out before them. These pieces are often photocopied prints designed to look like original artwork.

2. Strategic Placement: As you walk past, the scammer discreetly pushes one of the art pieces under your feet, making it appear accidental.

3. Fake Outrage: Once you’ve stepped on the artwork, the scammer pretends to be very angry and upset. They might accuse you of damaging their precious art and creating a scene to attract attention.

4. Demand for Payment: The scammer then demands payment for the "damaged" art, often insisting on a high price. They may use guilt or intimidation tactics, pressuring you to pay to resolve the situation quickly and avoid embarrassment.

5. Confrontation: If you hesitate or refuse to pay, the scammer might escalate the situation, drawing in accomplices or bystanders to apply more pressure.

6. Reluctant Payment: To avoid further confrontation or public embarrassment, many tourists end up paying the demanded amount. The scammer quickly collects the money and moves on to the next unsuspecting passerby.

EMPATHY SCAM

The cup of coins scam is a clever trick often used in busy tourist areas to exploit people's empathy. Here's how it typically unfolds:

1. Setup: A child beggar places a paper cup with a coin or two inside on the ground in a crowded area where tourists frequently pass by.

2. Strategic Placement: The cup is deliberately positioned in such a way that it's easy for an unsuspecting tourist to accidentally kick it over as they walk by.

3. Emotional Play: When the cup is kicked, the coins scatter, and the child quickly acts distressed, looking sad and upset. This immediately evokes feelings of guilt and sympathy in the tourist.

4. Soliciting Donations: The tourist, feeling responsible and wanting to help, often reaches into their pocket to give some money to the child to make up for the accident.

5. Frequent Targets: The child collects the money and resets the cup, ready to repeat the process with the next passerby. This cycle continues throughout the day, targeting multiple tourists.

HOTEL SCAM

The hotel scam is a deceptive trick where scammers pose as fellow guests to steal valuables. Here's how it typically works:

1. Disguise as Guests: Scammers book a room at a hotel and blend in with genuine guests, often targeting places with breakfast buffets.

2. Survey the Scene: During the breakfast rush, they observe guests who leave their bags, phones, cameras, or other valuables unattended on tables or chairs while getting food.

3. Quick Theft: Once a target is identified, the scammers quickly and discreetly take the unattended items, blending back into the crowd before anyone notices.

4. Swift Exit: With the stolen items, the scammers make a quick exit, often leaving the hotel entirely or retreating to their room to stash the loot.

5. Delayed Realization: The victim only realizes their belongings are missing after returning to their table, by which time the scammers are long gone.

This actually happened to one of our tour group members during a buffet breakfast in a hotel in Amsterdam. Thank God it was our last day of the tour, as her passport, cash, phone, and credit cards were in the bag that was stolen. While the rest of us went to the Keukenhof Gardens after breakfast, she had to take a taxi to the police station to file a report and later joined us at the airport for our departure back to Malaysia.

She was almost hysterical, dealing with the police, the hotel staff, and the embassy to ensure she could leave the country without her passport. We all felt her anxiety and frustration, and it put a damper on what was supposed to be a relaxing final day. Fortunately or unfortunately for her, the incident happened on a Friday. Imagine if it were to happen on a weekend or public holiday, when embassy services might not be readily available. She might have had to extend her stay in Amsterdam, dealing with the bureaucracy, while the rest of us would already be back in Malaysia.

And imagine if this had happened on the first day of our tour. She would have spent the entire trip dealing with the fallout of the theft instead of enjoying the beautiful sights and experiences we had planned. It was a stark reminder of how important it is to stay vigilant and keep our belongings secure, no matter how safe the environment seems. Let her experience serve as a cautionary tale for all of us to always stay alert and never leave our valuables unattended.

Mouse tourists

Let's take a wefie. Say "cheese!"

Dinner @ Chili's - ancho-rubbed fish

Tridax daisies

To some, it’s but a humble weed; to others, a bloom untamed. Yet through my eyes, it’s simply a blossom adrift. It may seem a mere speck, a floral trifle smaller than a dime’s breadth; yet in the whimsical world where mice roam, these tridax daisies rise as stately blooms, each petal a canvas of nature’s splendor. To the tiny forager, these are not mere weeds but daisies of the perfect size, gathered with care to adorn its quaint abode with the essence of a wildflower’s charm.

I was cleaning out a drawer when I found a stack of expired complimentary spa vouchers from hotel stays over the years that I have not used. I've come to realize that I'm just not a spa girl. The allure of luxurious robes, soothing music, and the promise of deep relaxation doesn't quite resonate with me. While many find bliss in the gentle hum of a massage room or the tranquil waters of a hot tub, the thought of spending hours in a spa feels more like an obligation than a treat. For me, comfort isn't found under a layer of exfoliating masks or in the scented mist of essential oils.

Manicures and pedicures aren’t my thing either. While some find joy in perfectly polished nails and the ritual of a salon visit, I’m more at home with my sometimes turmeric-stained nails from the curries I make regularly, free from the need for constant upkeep.

If I’m looking for a bit of luxury, you’ll find me chilling under a cabana, sipping a cool drink, and listening to the gentle crash of ocean waves. That’s my kind of paradise.

Royal Ascot 2024

The allure of the Royal Ascot has always captivated me—the grandeur, the pageantry, and, of course, those fancy hats that defy gravity. Yet, even if presented with the opportunity to attend in person, I must confess I would decline. The thought of navigating such an elite affair makes me feel like a fish out of water, and I wouldn’t have the faintest idea of what attire would be suitable. 

image source - MSN

Thus, I shall continue to savor the event vicariously through my AI mice.

Sir Squeak-alot was the talk of the Royal Ascot. His flamboyant dressing certainly turned heads. But what really set him apart was his penchant for flowers.

Many loyal Princess Di fans will disagree with me, but I am a great admirer of Queen Camilla. I love how she stays in the background most of the time and stepped up for royal duties when Charles and Kate were absent due to their recent cancer battles.

image source - Yahoo

Queen Camilla has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability throughout her life. Despite facing significant public scrutiny and challenges, she has gracefully embraced her role within the British royal family. Her dedication to various charitable causes, particularly in areas like literacy, domestic violence, and osteoporosis awareness, showcases her commitment to making a positive impact on society. Her ability to connect with people and support meaningful initiatives reflects her compassionate and steadfast nature.