Bad news from Quito, I'm afraid. I was out having a look at the Old Town this afternoon and managed to have my backpack and camera stolen.

My own fault, and quite obvious in hindsight really. I was walking through a square when a lady came up behind me and said that a bird had crapped on my bag and back (she even showed me by wiping a tissue on the bag). I put my backpack down onto one shoulder and turned to wipe off my back.

And then while I was twisted around, her accomplice ran past, snatched the bag off my shoulder and disappeared into the crowd. I chased after him, but no luck - there were just too many alleyways and dodgy stores that he could have ducked into. I went back to the square, but of course the woman had long since gone.

Luckily, I still have my passport, wallet and phone, but the bag did have my camera, both lenses, all my SD cards (including the one with all my photos from Peru, Machu Picchu, and the Galapagos), my camera tripod, my iPod, and my Lonely Planet guide to South America.

So yes, kicking myself quite hard this afternoon. The thing that I care most about is the SD card - I had some really good memories stored in there. I was even thinking about replacing it before I left this morning before I left - now I really wish that I had.

Still, hopefully I can get a decent set of photos from the rest of the guys in the tour group. I've just come back from the police station after filing a report so hopefully I can claim everything back on insurance. Guess I'll just have to chalk this one up to experience... Can't wait to get out of this city though...

That absolutely awful news! Dont beat yourself up too much, it was obviously a well polished ruse. Hopefully insurance will cover it. Sounds like otherwise you are having a great time over there and Jo and I cant wait to see you in Vegas and hear all about your adventures in detail. It sounds like truly inspiring stuff. Hope you keep having an incredible time and your luck changes for the better. Love chris and jo
Oh dude that sucks.

Having said that, if you had backpacked solo all the way through South America without being conned, robbed or mugged at least once then no-one would have believed you. At least you weren’t hurt.
Shit 🙁 That sucks Patto. I’m sure your tour friends will have lots of photos for you.
Ah sorry to hear that man. At least you are ok. Losing photos is terrible though. Oh well I guess you just have to focus on getting the most out of the rest of the trip.
That sucks dude 🙁  Couple of guys tried to do it to me at the spanish steps in rome. On the bright side you still have your most important things on you, because trying to organise a passport, credit card and new phone in some dodgy south american consulate would be a bitch. Even you don’t have the photos, at least you have the memories, they can’t take that from you ;).

Hope the rest of the trip goes well mate, if they try that stuff again grab the woman by the throat and tell her either you get your bag back or her accomplice will need to find a new ruse.
Bad luck Patto… As Nath said though, it’s the memories that are important 😊
We leave you to your own defenses for 1 day and this is what happens….. That’s pretty crappy Patto but we all have photos to share! All the best for the rest of your travels
Patto, see you shouldnt have gone back to the old city! El stabio city lives up to its name!!!! see you need me and danielle as your bodyguards!

i certainly have plenty of pictures from the tour for you to have!!!

heres to a good rest of the trip, stay safe!

angela 😊
Should have taken me to watch your back… Seriously though unlucky about the photos however if you can get some from others semi ok. Had my wallet stolen in St Louis, makes you feel pretty crappy. The main thing is you’re unhurt, insured, have a story to polish up into a chapter of your epic adventure & 99% of the people you encounter are nice.
Hi there dude

I read your notes from time to time. that’s pretty sad to see this happened to you 🙁

But that is absolutely fortunate that you have your wallet and passport.

Take care!
Saeid