For Dalton Brooks.

[Oatmeal]

I think wsbill may have made a good suggestion below and I wanted to elaborate on that.

I am not sure how your lady feel about her safety now, but If your lady kept her money and valuables hidden under her coat and out of sight and then carried an empty of fake purse that did not contain anything important then if some young criminals wanted to steal her purse she could feel better about giving them the fake purse.

It really reminded me of certain lizards that can self-amputate their tails if a bird swoops down to eat them.  They let those birds have the tail and they get away.  

I know it sounds kind of goofy to suggest she carry a fake purse but if she really feels threatened and thinks those same kids might target her again then it might be worth the little extra money to buy her a second purse.

Terrible that people should live in fear.

Good Luck in St. Petes  I am sure you both will have a new appreciation for each other.

[Dalton B]

... in response to For Dalton Brooks., posted by Oatmeal on Dec 8, 2001

a fanny pack(so to speak) and wear it under her coat when she is out of the home. I didn't say anthing about the false purse, but I think it's a good idea.

Right now I don't think she feels safe to leave the home after dark and she told me that they do not offer English lessons for adults in the daytime. She will miss her classes very much because she likes them and she feels she needs to speak better before she arrives. I disagreed because she speaks very well now and if our visa is approved soon she can start again here in Portland.

It's going to be tough to wait until we meet in St. Pete because we both miss each other so much and after her incident we need to be together.

Thanks for the suggestion and the concern.

BrianC, I emailed Alexei and asked for the phone number of our flat, but he hasn't returned my email yet. As soon as I know it I'll pass it on. See you there.

Dalton

[Rags]

... in response to Thanks and I did suggest to her to buy, posted by Dalton B on Dec 8, 2001

I know when I was in Moscow if a policeman waved his baton at you and you didn't repond, he gave a toot on his whistle. I'm told if that didn't get the proper response, his gun was next.

I would believe this as there were a bunch of punks getting rowdy down by Maneshz (sp?) Plaza and all it took was one little tweet and those boys fell into line (and at attention!)

Maybe it is illegal for anyone but a policeman to blow a whistle (like in London) but if it were a case of a mugging or worse, I think that I would face the wrath of the police.

[Tootsie]

... in response to Thanks and I did suggest to her to buy, posted by Dalton B on Dec 8, 2001

It is not needed to give up her English lessons. I would advice her to buy a pepper spray or at least a gas spray (it should be keep in the freezer and could be used only outside) or electric shock stick (in this case she should touch an attacking person). When she finds herself in the street in the darkness she should take a spray out of the purse and hold it in hand. Also, she should be carefull and be sure nobody follows her. If she notices that some man follows her she can just say something like "Sorry, I'm afraid of you, please go ahead of me" and let him pass. If she does it with a smile on her lips any man will certainly understand such fear.

I learned this experience because for several years I had to come home from work/study late at night.

Regards,

Tootsie

[wsbill]

... in response to Thanks and I did suggest to her to buy, posted by Dalton B on Dec 8, 2001

Boy don't you know those guys would really feel gifted if they got something like that.