In this episode Dave get's robbed outside of the McDonald's in Porto. Sign up for Dave's Moving to Portugal Complete Guide: www.daveinportugal.com Learn Portuguese through the best Online Master Class: www.portuguesewithanita.com/D...
As you said the muggers weren't Portuguese but how amazing that people came running to your aid. That really says so much about the countrty and its people. So I leave this video with more appreciation for Portugal not less.
@@viajarporaipelomundo8509 , Ele diz que não eram portugueses ( e que fossem, existem ladrões em todo lado), mas os senhores insistem q eram Pts. Pq?? Estavam lá, assistiram???
Recovery note: As someone who has taken multiple face punches in an event, you need to get you nose straightened asap. i waited too long and they were only able to fix it a little bit (surgery) and now my only recourse is having it rebroken/bigger surgery. Please see an ENT. And yes, every place, late at night, can be dangerous. Please take care.
great advice! and i'm very sorry for you and hope you are somewhere safe surrounded by people who will get as upset as I got when I read this and do something about it!
I am Portuguese and I hate hearing about this kind of situations but it's good that u show people that even if are in a safe country you need to be aware of everything. Be save
@@mariaadelaide765 hahahahaha you think a corrupt goverment gives the right numbers? for feck sake the police don't even write a report in many cases and nothing ever happens when you contact the police unless you grease the right ppl
@@anaritacoelho6689that someone "claim" it is a safe country doesn't mean it IS... and yes I am from Denmark, #2 on the list... plenty drugs in the cities with included nasty ppl and you have a high chance of losting your stuff at home if you dare leave your house and the police is useless
If this ever happens, get into the first bar/restaurant/shop you can find, the owners will never allow any aggression inside and they will call the police for you. So sorry this happened to you, Dave.
I’m Portuguese, living in the states, and of course, it bums me out to hear the story, Dave. I really appreciate how fair and open you were about the experience, and also not trying to exacerbate any tensions amongst different groups. I continue to hope that the authorities in Portugal are able to maintain order, as our beautiful little country becomes more popular as is the trend over the last couple of years. Stay safe wherever you are in the world.
It certainly is, tao bonito! I wish I had discovered it years ago in 1986 when my 2nd cousin married into The Tavares family that immigrated here. The parents became the finest tailors in the whole state!! 🙂 I also have not studied the political environment in Portugal so many years ago. There must have been some strife that urged them to leave 😐
He wasn't open! He didn't tell us the Race of the people who did it! I have been to Portugal many times, all the guys selling drugs are illegal Africans! Not Portuguese!
@@kingquinn3897 All crowded cities are like this, especially in quiet areas, especially at night. There are unsafe areas, there are unsafe times. And then there are pickpockets even in crowded, safe areas in the middle of the day. It always requires going to the right places at the right times, and knowing how to protect your valuables. I have traveled a lot in the US and Europe since the eighties, and it has always been like this. Some are better than others, but pretty none are immune. Yes, the poorer neighborhoods tend to be the less safe ones. These can be white, brown, or black neighborhoods. It is gernerally not a matter of race or ethnicity but rather a socioeconomic issue. These communities tend to be more antagonistic toward people with money, more aggressive and violent, and more likely to mug and take your money. Such a person is just as likely to harass a person of their own race or ethnicity if they have entered the wrong territory. It has been like that my entire life. If you go to any travel website, they will give you the same pieces of advice for traveling to metropolitan areas.
I'm so sorry about this Dave, please dont forget to put ice on it, very important!!! Thanks for sharing this video, i'm going to be aware when i am travelling because i will recall this video.
Bromano! Ugh this made my heart hurt for you, for Porto and Portugal. I live here in Gaia (by Jardim do Morro) and walk through Aliados and past that McDonalds every week many times...including late at night. Thank you for sharing this incident with us. As someone who has lived here for 1.5 years now (from the USA) I have felt immensely safe here. In fact it took me a long time to realize just how safe I am compared to the USA. I really resonated with what you said about having lived in big cities. I lived in NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego and have a certain sense of "street smarts" that perhaps gives me too much confidence here in Porto. Duly noted. For the record, before I came here I found some of your videos on YT and they helped me so much. Little did I know that Portugal would become my home. I am so happy here and wouldn't trade it for anything. That said, I will be walking through Aliados to Cedofeita area tonight and will have you sitting on my shoulder reminding me to keep my NYC street smarts alive. :-)
As portuguese and as a long time follower of your great content, It's heartbroken to hear that you had such a sad episode during your stay here in Porto. I'm from the city and I walk around it daily from early in the morning until late at night and I can assure that even though things are WAY better comparing to decades ago, It's also getting worse having in mind the last 5 years. Unfortunately the security is going downhill thanks to the lack of policies related to the uncontrolled immigration coming to Portugal without any major prior criminal check-ups. I really hope you get better Dave, Stay safe!
There are unsafe areas and times and conditions (empty streets) in most cities. If crime in Proto/Portugal is still below what it was in the past, when immigration was lower, how can it be related solely to immigration? It can't. They say this in the U.S., too, but the statistics never prove that. States with more guns, which tend to be very white, have way more gun injuries and deaths than the ones with fewer guns and more minorities. Trump, for example, calls Mexicans rapists and murderers, even though the rate of rape and murder is no higher than that among white people. Some of these perceptions and judgments are based on people focusing on certain incidences, discussing them endlessly, exaggerating them, and not knowing the statistics, and when they hear the statistics, they refuse to believe them, and they continue to focus on the stories, some of which are just rumors and conspiracy theories. That's a big problem here in the U.S. Again, there are safe and unsafe areas. The unsafe areas tend to be poor neighborhoods, regardless of the race or ethnicity. If the neighborhood is poor, it has a greater chance of being unsafe. Especially at night. Be safe. Another thing, in a lot of these Europen countries where right-wing, anti-immigrant groups are growing, I check the statistics and they generally have few actual immigrants; they continue to be predominantly native. And the crime statistics tend not to be that different. It seems that the problems that exist, however, are blamed on certain immigrants... I know Portugal has had a lot of immigration in recent years, but I thought most of that was digital nomads and retirees, mostly white, because the attractive visas and tax benefits? As for not checking the criminal records of immigrants, yes, you are right, that is going to increase problems. That is bad policy. Funny, because everywhere I look (I am considering retiring abroad), I see a requirement to reveal your criminal history, if you have one. I am surprised Portugal did not adopt this policy, especially when they changed the visa and tax laws to encourage people to immigrate. Hope they change it soon.
@@izzytoons not every immigrant is bad, but they are not all good. there are bad seeds everywhere. Also, before you start commenting something you don't understand, please leave you liberal shoes in front of the door. there are tons of bad things happened in US that have absolutely nothing to do with Trump, but with Biden policy. You might be for open boarder, but in reality is a VERY bad policy/idea.
Hey Dave, I'm sorry to hear something like this happened to you. I'm Brazilian and I moved to Porto recently, looking for a safer place to live and very well guided and inspired by your videos. My wife and I were walking around this side of the Porto at late hours and we were very low guard compared to Brazil due to the security that Portugal transmits. We saw a similar situation happening with an elderly couple, but instead of selling drugs he was asking for money very aggressively and following them, but they were fine because they went into a bar, which we did the same. Which was a good reminder to keep our guard up at late hours even here. I wish you a good recovery and don't stop enjoying Portugal due to an event like this. I hope one day to bump into you in Porto and share a bottle of wine to thank you for the excellent content you provide here o/
I'm a venezuelan living in Porto for the past 6 years. Very close to city center. I OFTEN go out at nights, close to midnight for a walk or a run and I've never felt safer. I'm totally aware that you can get in these kind of situations literally ANYWHERE in the world, even in the most developed countries, but I can assure anyone reading this that Porto is the place where I've felt the safest and what happened to Dave was isolated. I've dealt with these drug dealers offering things and they've never insisted after my first "no".
@@christiandasilva9435estuve en Oporto en Portugal hace justo un año y vi 2 coches a los que les habían robado las pertenencias tras romperles los vidrios con una piedra. 2 lunas rotas en 2 coches distintos en menos de 48h.
Hi Dave! Porto is my hometown and where I live. I’m really sorry to hear about what happened to you 😢 I’ve been seeing those kind of aggressive behaviors from non-Portuguese individuals and it makes me really sad that they’re ruining our peaceful city and country. Hope you feel better!
Isto ainda é só o começo, a imigração (composta por uma grande maioria de homens do terceiro mundo) está completamente descontrolada e nem sequer verificam os antecedentes criminais. Ou o Chega tem já uma grande votação ou então depois já vai ser tarde para corrigir a porcaria que fizeram.
I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m glad the other guys came to help you. I’ve been watching your videos in preparation for our visit as we’re leaving for Portugal in a couple of weeks for three weeks and this is a reminder to not let our guard down. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Ditto for me. My wife and I are going to Portugal in May for three weeks. I won't let my guard down either. My big fear is that I'm bringing a camera bag (backpack) with camera gear and I know it will make me a target.
@@ericwilcox2442 your biggest concern in places like Lisbon and Porto isn't going to be a backpack. Be mindful of your wallet because, sadly pickpockets are the biggest scourge in these cities.
The same rules apply in any major city. Do your research and ask people and identify what areas are safe and stay in them. Stay where other people are, though be careful of pickpockets in those places. Learn how to protect your wallet, smart phone, etc. At night, go and stay where there are other people. If you do drink a lot, walk home in a gang of adults on main streets or get a cab or Uber home, especially if the streets are empty. Call for the car when you are inside with other people, go out when the car arrives. Don't stay out late. I'd say no later than ten. These are just basic rules. I've followed them since the eighties, all over the U.S. and Europe, and I've never come close to a problem. If you follow them, you should be fine and have a great time!
Glad you weren't seriously injured. But a good warning against complacency - there's a big difference between being one of the safer countries in the world and being completely safe.
Tell me one country these days where you can walk after midnight - as a tourist - drunk and aggressive - without running into trouble. It is not if but when.
Sorry this happened to you and thanks for the reminder. I just left Porto but still traveling in Portugal. I feel very safe here but I do need to remember to be aware of my surroundings, not just here but anywhere (if I am traveling or back at home). Glad the 3 nice people came to your rescue!
According to the Eurostat (The statistical office of the European Union) in 2022 there was 3 member states with a robbery rate higher than 100 per 100 000 people. They were 1st Belgium , 2nd Spain and 3rd Portugal. Portugal was safe but no longer is , Portugal has it's own bad citizens like any country but is receiving immigrants from countries that have an higher homicide rate by itself than the homicide rate , the number of people killed in terrorist attacks and the number of people killed in civil war put together in countries like Syria , Iraq , Afghanistan and many others. If I name the nationality of the immigrants that are causing the huge increase of criminality in Portugal I'm immediately accused of being a racist , they become the victims of my racism and their victims are blamed for being robbed , assaulted or killed on their way to work or during a night out.
@terra7066 unfortunantely socialism is destroing Portugal, they approve uncontrolled imigration, and this is the worst thing they could do. Did you know that everyday 100 people from indostan are arriving to Porto? Having Said that, you can imagine what is going on now, and you can imagine the future!!!! We are going to have elections on Match 10 th, if the socialism wins again, this country will never be Portugal again, and not even Europe...very sad😢😊😊😢
Portugal is still extremely safe as long as you don't risk around at night in the big touristic cities. It's still considered the 7th safest country in the world.
I love how people comment with zero regards to facts. Nothing in this thread makes sense. This lady saying that socialism is killing the country, we don't have socialism in Portugal, so that's lie number 1. Only someone who is completely alienated from polítics says we have socialism here. The owner of the comment says Portugal isn't safe anymore, and in 2023 we raked the 7th safest country in the world. Basically people are now product of the society of the spectacle. Click baits, and titles without reading the whole thing. Portugal is a safe country, and still one of the safest countries in the world. You write this and you miss the most important part of the video where the guy says locals told him that it was different 20 years ago and much worse. I'm a local, and I remember no one even daring to walk downtown at night , not even in small groups. So lick you your dogmatic speeches elsewhere.
Wow...your opening scene is on Rua das Flores in front of the hotel I stayed at...what a beautiful street. I was saying, oh no, I walked there every night on my way somewhere. The lights, the outdoor music, the restaurants, and general sense of being alive, and all that was happening in off season in February last year. I met up with my guide to the Douro River Valley in front of that same MacDonald's. I'm a female solo traveler and I won't let that dissuade me but your honesty reinforces the reality that no one should be too careful. The world is rapidly changing. See Portugal for its beauty and history and the Portuguese people are amazingly kind and welcoming. Just remain aware, take in the beauty, and keep on traveling. Thank you, Dave. I'm happy you came out of this okay.
From a wonderful and peaceful country it’s becoming lawless since the so called “refugees” invaded my beloved Country. Who’s responsible for this? Well, European Union and the dishonest Portuguese politicians who just want to lineup their pockets. Our national anthem starts something like this: Heroes of the sea, noble people, valiant nation, immortal…” well, I rest my case. Every time a foreigner visits my country I want them to feel at home; I want even the weather to be pleasant so they can enjoy. I’d like to wish you a speedy recovery. Have a good day.
Great video Dave. The gentleman who said ‘this is not Portugal’ is 100% right. It’s awful to think but there are rotten people out there who see someone out alone at night as an easy target. And your point about what’s happening across Europe right now cannot go unsaid in this context. Thanks for your honesty. Porto remains my favourite city in the world. I can’t wait to return. ❤
As a Portuguese man living in the USA I extend my apologies for what happened to you Dave. Portugal has let in too many people some of whom suck…..no skills….except robbery etc.etc. Too bad…
@@bookinsights1092 Unfortunately, groups like CHEGA are not entirely honest when blaming problems on immigrants, nor do they only address immigration problems. They bring a lot of other bad policies with them, such as sexism, favoring the rich, and reducing important social programs, just to name a few. By the way, I guarantee there are Portuguese people selling drugs, and not necessarily being pleasant about it.
Hi Dave so sorry to hear about your experience and thank you for your honesty, and lovely way you speak about my country like you say this could have happened anywhere but it's always such a shock when it happens i hope your eye recovers soon. Many years ago that Mc Donalds building was a fantastic restaurant called " Imperial " i have many fond memories growing up and going there for lunch with my family and always admiring the large Eagle above the doorway. Looking forward to watching more of your videos thank you sooo much i really appreciate them as i'm sure i speak for all your subcribers😊
I hate that happened to you, Dave. Glad to hear you're okay and taking it all in stride. Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts in an honest and balanced way.
Aww, Dave, that really sucks and I’m so sorry that happened to you! My wife and I recently visited Lisbon & Porto for our 30th anniversary and my 55th birthday and I credit you and your videos for having a huge part in making it an absolutely amazing trip. I did as you said, I think we left Portugal a little better than we found it. Can’t say the same for your attackers, but the kindness of the guys who came to your aid is exactly the kind of thing I would have expected from the locals. If anything, your video has given me more faith in humanity and just love Portugal that much more. Take care of that shiner and your nose and keep bringing that joy to the rest of us living vicariously through you!!
Porto is my favourite city. The mugging sucks but the warmth and care of the local and international Portuguese community is superb and exactly what I remember. I’ll be back at the end of May on vacation. Great catching up on your videos Dave.
Sorry to hear about this Dave, hope you rest and heal up soon.. We were in Porto in mid October and also Lisboa , Guimarães, Coimbra, and Evora. Then we went onwards along the coast to Sagres and then to Albufeira .. we didn't run into any trouble there.. we continued through Spain for the month of November and also had no issues.
I personally believe it is absolutely relevant to mention ethnicity and race, it is the first and most relevant fact in any criminal investigation. It is a fact, not a feeling, not a judgement, not a condemnation of everyone from that ethnicity. Did you not mention it to the police? The fact that you felt the need to say that you don't feel the need to mention it speaks volumes. Are you going to do anyone a favor by concealing the most visible and identifiable characteristics of these criminals? Perhaps your subscribers who travel would be better off with the knowledge of who to look for. Literally everyone knows who you are talking about, just say it. Is political correctness going to help anyone placed in this situation in the future? I went to Lisbon last year and the only problem I had, literally on my first walk outside my room on the way for groceries, was with two young males of Middle Eastern descent tailing me immediately in very close proximity. This was mid day in nice area. I stopped abruptly and pretended to look at a menu and I stared back at them. They turned and walked into the restaurant and they certainly were not going to eat. I am sorry this happened to you and I hope you recover quickly. Always love your videos and your path in life. Keep up the great work.
Going to Porto in 2 weeks. So grateful to stumble across your page and the video of “what not to do in Portugal”. Bummer this happened to you, but also nice to see people come to your rescue.
I read an almost identical story in a Reddit thread recently, but it happened in Lisboa and the person was robbed of hundreds of euros from people trying to sell them “drugs.” Be safe out there. One of the reasons I moved from LA to Portugal was to feel safer, but we must be alert everywhere. So sorry this happened to you, Dave.
I heard this story, too. Then a few nights ago I was walking near Pink Street (hell hole) and some dude was badgering me about trying his free cocaine. I said your cocaine is fake. He then proceeded to get quite aggressive and follow me down the street for a minute or so. Probably not the wisest move on my part.
@@user-xy6vd7dj2n Immigration is a good thing. If you bring up anecdotes or statistics that show rising crime of whatever you're just a racist to be ignored. If the entirety of Africa comes to Portugal, that's a good thing, only racists would disagree.
@@lynxcato3327 ? Im not racist. Crime has been rising and they arent portuguese. You clearly didnt go to school boy. Go on , there is still time and hope for you
So sorry Dave. I'm very grateful 🙏 for the heros that came to your rescue. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I really love your channel, take good care ❤
Dave, can you file an assault report at the police station? I think stepping up and reporting this will be a legal statement in case others have also been assaulted, etc....or in case you have something else happen. I think it's better to report things like this to the authorities so they're aware too. These thugs need to be arrested or given fines and night in jail or something to be accountable for what they did to you.
Thanks for sharing this useful and informative video. Hope you stay safe and thanks for your honesty and objectivity. Your first point is key. Midnight, Walking Alone, Deserted Area, with a drink too many. All the Best and get well soon.
Congratulations! Welcome to the club. Was mugged in Seville, Coimbra and Lisbon. Had a friend jumped and beaten up in Bairro Alto, Lisbon, the same night I told him to be careful in Bairro Alto. He didn't listen. It's important to mention who did the mugging, because certain modern sensitivities will shame your spidey sense for being racist when all it is is good sense. In Seville, I was mugged by three Gypsies on a scooter. In Coimbra, it was two Gypsies right in front of the Sé Velha. I had met one of them in a bar earlier and had a rather pleasant conversation. Short while later, same guy had a gun in my face. In Lisbon, in deepest darkest Bairro Alto, it was a white and black dynamic duo, with another gun in my face. Never got a black eye or bloody nose, though. Just threw my money at them and managed to talk my way out of a beating. When you travel, don't be drunk and alone after midnight. Doing that puts a big fat target on your back. As for Portugal being safe...it is. Lisbon and Porto were more dangerous 20 or so years ago. However, just today, watched a report on how muggings have spiked in the Anjos bairro of Lisbon, where I lived for several years. Migrants have moved in and set up tent colonies, and now crime has returned to the streets of Lisbon. It is what it is, folks. Be careful out there, and hopefully this isn't an omen of bad things to come in Portugal 🇵🇹 with regards to street crime.
Totally agree, people need to know who did it. Enough with that fear propaganda of being called a "racist". Worse racism in Western Europe today is against white people.
Hey, Dave! Unfortunately, I also met drugsellers at Porto, though the situations in which they tried to sell drugs weren't that bad. Hope you recover soon, and best of luck in dealing with these people! Hope to see more of your videos.
Dave, what a scary life lesson! Keep vigilant, but at the same time, don't let this incident affect your confidence to explore and enjoy your surroundings!
Hello from Detroit! Hoping you heal well. Porto was such a welcoming and warm city while visiting, but you must still keep your head up like you're from the D! All the best..
I really appreciate the articulate and even-handed way you present the content of your videos. As someone who is Portuguese but has lived in the US most of my adult life, it is gratifying that you have embraced Portuguese culture and the overall goodness that the country and its people have to offer. There is good and bad in every livable place on the planet, but it is telling that a stranger came up to you and apologized for what happened to you and told you that is not how we Portuguese are, and that three individuals actually came to your assistance. Sadly, here in the US they would have stood there with their cell phones and shot video of it all for some online likes without lifting a finger.
Sorry to hear about this. I'm hoping to retire there in a few years with my wife. She has family about an hour from Porto, I've been there many times and never felt being in any danger. Then again I haven't been out alone at midnight with a good alcohol buzz. Thanks for sharing, Hopefully you're feeling better. Lesson here is "Don't let your guard down anywhere."
Experienced this in Barcelona too with the same eye injury. Ethnicity should have been mentioned. As experienced by you, the ones that attacked were not Spanish but came from another country. Immigration and asylum policies as well as more punitive law enforcement should be enabled in Europe
@@robban5545 Yes, because there were no pickpockets, dangerous neighborhoods, or assaults before immigration. Um, no. I have traveled extensively since the eighties, and I have always had to do my homework and follow certain basic rules of safety, especially in cities: know the wrong neighborhoods, avoid the wrong neighborhoods, learn how to protect my valuables in crowded tourist areas, avoid empty areas, don't stay out late. Just the rules of traveling, especially in cities. Always works. I talk to travelers all the time. Nothing's changed. You just need to know and follow the right rules. By the way, NYC was MORE dangerous in the eighties than now, with the immigration. The same is true for many European countries and cities. For example, Trump calls Mexicans rapists and murderers, but the statistics show they are no more likely to rape or murder than white people... I am not saying that multi-cultural communities are not more challenging to manage. They are. Different people have different behaviors, habits, customs, etc. It takes some effort to work through that. Wave after wave of immigration for centuries in the U.S. has shown. It doesn't matter whether the immigrants are Mexican. When they are Irish., German, Italian, Polish, etc., they were ALL problems. Not just brown and black people. They all had trouble getting jobs, They were all verbally and physically abused. They were all poor and tended to violence, too. They all resorted to crime. And eventually after many generations they assimilated. In the U.S., white people are now 41% percent of the population. That is challenging. I see European countries with like 3% immigrants who are whining incredibly and their right-wings are growing. All the problems are heaped on those 3%, even when the crime rates are the same. It's always the color of the skin. I'm not saying that immigration is never or not a problem. I am saying that whenever I dig down into the details, the statistics, the proof of huge problems caused specifically by immigrants is not always there. In a lot of cases, you have people focusing on specific events involving black people over and over, exaggerating them, and ignoring the crimes committed by others, crime that has always been there. Here in America, for example, white people commit ALL the mass shootings. ALL the serial killers are white. Tons of white people do drugs and drive the drug trade, which involves a number of different crimes. Rich people engage in all kinds of white collar crime, robbing others of tons of money, in many cases perfectly legally. The white crimes just don't get the same attention, just don't generate the same kind of focus, judgment, and anger. It's interesting.
Thanks Dave for sharing your experiences in Portugal including this mugging story which as you said it can happen anywhere, and very glad that there were other people came to help and you are ok.
I'm really sorry this happened to you. My partner and I were in Lisbon in May 2023 (ironically as a "scouting trip" because we were thinking about moving there) and had a very similar scenario happen to us. Someone asked us if we wanted to buy off them, we said no politely, and they kept following us and some of their friends joined. This was at like 3PM in the day. We quickly walked away and went into a cafe to wait it out. It was very scary and reason enough for me to write off Lisbon as a place to live because I was genuinely afraid to go outside by myself. We ended up moving to Malaga, Spain.
I’m really sorry for you Dave 😣. Our country is falling apart due to uncontrolled and ilegal migrantes. Keep strong and showing us how much good things and people Portugal has to offer. 💪
I'm truly sorry to hear about your experience. I had a comparable situation in Porto towards the end of January 2023, near the location you've pointed out. Please take good care of yourself, and I hope you've filed a report to assist in raising awareness among the Portuguese that things are changing.
Hi Dave, I am really sorry to learn that you were mugged in Porto. I hope you get better soon! By the way congrats in the work you are doing to educate people about Portugal! I am enjoying every new video you are creating. Thanks,
Thank you for making this video. I’m an Aussie living in Portugal for several years. I have never had an issue but been offered “oregano” many times. You handled your experience very well and as you said it’s all about situational awareness. Hope your future journeys are trouble free.
Oh Dave, what a cool video, so honest. I'm sorry about what happened to you. I'm from Brazil and, when we came here, we had an incredible feeling of security, but bad things can happen even here, one of the safest countries in the world. That's why we always have to be attentive. Thanks and of course, you gained another subscriber
This is the best travel vid I’ve seen in a long while….better to be safe than sorry! I know Porto and like you would have been caught off guard so thanks so much for posting and more credit for not mentioning the nationalities!
Hey😢 Dave. Glad to hear you are ok. Thanks so much for posting. Portugal is an amazing place and yes Crime can happen anywhere at any time. Appreciate your honesty and you have probably saved a few people just by posting this video. It takes courage and I for one very much appreciate your honesty. Stay safe.
my friend, i love your channel, im so sorry about what happened with you, please, keep doing content, and keep being part of my country Portugal, i love you
Yup. For example, the pickpocketing tends to happen in broad daylight, in crowded (not deserted) areas, by white people, even women. Totally unsuspecting circumstances. You just have to learn how to protect your valuables.
Dave I’m so sorry you had this experience and I sincerely hope it does not deeply color your whole Living in Portugal experience. I was pick pocketed in Lisbon 16 months ago - due primarily to my own stupidity, and it was a nightmare replacing my cards, etc. but I learned my lesson ( $$$$) and did not let it affect the rest of my trip. I found my 2 weeks in Porto to be some of the best experiences of my life and the people were remarkably kind and helpful to us naive American tourists. I am looking forward to returning and I wish you the best in your life there.
The fact that he won’t say the race/ethnicity tells me everything I need to know. I respect that you’re trying to take the high road but facts are facts.
"I'm not gonna mention their ethnicity..." means they weren't portuguese. Bit cowardly of him not to just point blank say it if he's going to hint at it. Either say it or don't, no need to go halfway in order to appear virtuous.
thank you for sharing man and hope you've recovered well in all aspects. sorry this happened to you - not fun at all having your space invaded at any time but especially on a trip when you're looking to release tension.
I think I know exactly who these guys are. I was in Porto 2 weeks ago, and I stayed at a hotel right in that area. Multiple times I was offered cocaine by 2 guys in track suits. And, no not black, Eastern European and two of them looked liked twins. The only difference is I am 6'4", 250 lbs. No shenanigans ensued after I told them leave me alone.
There was once a time when we were the 3rd safest country in the world. But then the migration happened and the foreign population went from not 300 thousand to almost 900 thousand in less than 10 years. Lisbon is basically south asia nowadays. Algarve and Alentejo are heading the same path. Now in the north we are also seeing more and more foreigners. I bet those guys were from south asia
I am Portuguese living in London. I am so sorry Dave you experienced that. Even though Portugal is consider as a save country time to time we hear stories like that. One of the things I always heard when living in Portugal was if we go out at night to make sure we don’t walk around on the streets alone late at night specially if we have been drinking. it’s always sad to hear this stories, I my self experienced a similar situation when visiting Lisbon with people trying to sell you drugs. I got so irritated with one of them because it seemed he was following us. My husband isn’t Portuguese, and the guy selling the drugs always spoke in English to my husband never to me. Even after my husband saying several times no to him, he kept asking the same question and followed us in a very busy street near to the Chiado in Lisbon in day light. I got so irritated at him that I gave him a good shout down in a good Portuguese way (if you know what I mean) that he stopped straight away. I don’t know if was because it is a very busy street in day light, or because I am a woman or it was the fact I spoke Portuguese to him and made him stop. Thanks God nothing happened to my husband or to me that day. I actually feel ashamed of that part of Portugal with people selling drugs on the streets. I think the government should tackle that more. Also, many of those people are selling fake drugs, it’s just another way of stilling people. I also feel like they go more for the tourists because is more likely for them not to know the local laws wether the natives will know better what to do, who to contact and so on. With that said, and as you mentioned in your video these things can happen anywhere in the world. I live in London now and here walking on the streets at night alone after 9 is a no no. Always make sure you get a ride home. Be save!
Well, safety always goes down the drain because of certain groups of people migrating to those countries. People know what these groups look like but never say it out loud because they always are cowardly and fearful of being labeled as you know what.
Thank you for making this brave video. It will certainly help many travelers to be more aware and to know it can happen anywhere, so stay alert. Great advice on running or ducking into an establishment. Nothing wrong with getting away.
I`m Portuguese, I live in Porto and I`m mad someone would do that to you. I`m so so sorry this happened to you, keep safe Dave. Also subscribed is the least I can do.
How awful, Dave. Thank goodness there were 3 helpful guys that chased them away. Please take care. After midnight is always a bit dodgy……Wherever you are. Thanks for the warning. Heal well ❤
A friendly couple visiting Portugal asked me if it would be safe to take a walk at night and take some photos (they are passionate about photography and love taking pictures at night). I said yes without hesitation. Conclusion, they were attempted to be robbed, but they were lucky, a group of young people helped them, and they ended up spending the night buying drinks. I felt so ashamed of the Portuguese, but then they told me that the assailants were not Portuguese. Be aware, not all Portuguese are angels, but the curiosity is that whenever there are these types of "encounters," they are (almost) always Africans, gypsies, or indostânicos. How beautiful globalization is. Quo vadis Portugal/Europe? Get well soon.
So sorry to hear that you went through this event. I do live in Porto and never came across anything similar. And I have travelled extensively and lived in Australia 20 year nil incidents too (well I did work on a psych ward, but that's an exceptional environment). I guess it was just one of those occasions that one is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hope you recover soon an this event does not deter you from enjoying Porto. Hope to see more of your videos which are amazing.
So sorry that this happened to you Dave. Take care! I appreciate that you were honest about your role in this confrontation and how you could have avoided it. I hope this was a one-off and it never happens to you again based on your newly acquired wisdom.
Sorry to hear that this happened to you Dave! I've been living in Porto for 6 months now and haven't experienced anything like this, but as you said, this could happen anywhere in the world. I hope that shiner and nose heals up soon! 💪🏼