Well, it happened to me...

Sukhbaatar Statue

The warnings to beware of pickpockets are everywhere. From the U.S. Embassy page to most every guidebook you can find for Mongolia. When I met with the health department in Colorado Springs to get my vaccinations, they provided me with a Country Profile that also warned me about the high incidence of theft--going so far as to declare that public transportation should be avoided (which is not at all practical). 

Back in July, when I ventured out for the first time alone onto the sidewalks of UB, Enji messaged me with, "WATCH OUT FOR ROBBERS!" I can't say that did much to bolster my confidence being in my new home city, but it was advice well-meant and based in reality. Zorig repeatedly warns me to be careful of both thieves and machines (aka cars) every time I venture outside. 

Well, it happened to me this past week. I was pick-pocketed. Now, before you get worried--they got NOTHING of material value. I didn't feel it happen and was never scared or fearful. Quite frankly, it's a mystery as to when and how they did it.

I had stayed on in Zaisan (neighborhood where ASU is located and most of my co-workers live) to have some wine and food with my friend (pictured here). I caught a bus around 7:30 pm which is after dark now. I know that it DID NOT happen on the bus, as I had a seat to myself and my backpack was on my lap the entire time with my hands resting on it. I have yet to feel exposed on the buses here, but perhaps in wintertime they get busy and more packed. We'll see. 

Anyway, when I got off the bus, I could see the Square all lit up ahead. It looked beautiful and I knew Z wasn't coming home from the worksite....so I decided I'd walk over and enjoy the Square a little before walking home. There weren't many people out. I was wearing my headphones and listening to my iPod, as I often do. I crossed the necessary crosswalks, took pictures, and wandered around some. Upon heading home, I noticed the Central Post Office was yet open. I popped inside to mail a letter I had in my purse (which was buried in the main pocket of my backpack under a loaf of bread). 

When I took my backpack off, I could see that the smaller, most front pocket was wide open. My pen and pencil case was yet inside, but the small bag that I used to house my iPod and headphones (when not in use) was gone. This was a gift Zorig gave me when he first arrived to the U.S. back in December. It was a lovely little bag and I'm sad that it's gone, but more importantly, I'm glad that my money or Alien ID Card wasn't stolen. My safe-feeling-bubble has officially been burst. I will be more careful moving forward. Time to stop with the headphones and I look over my shoulder way more often. I didn't feel a thing--they were like sprites unzipping the pack and lifting what they probably thought was a wallet. However, the bag was empty and I was a most unsuccessful mark. Pickpocketing is not a violent crime and for that I am relieved. 

Lesson learned.