We might as well face it: you are right. It’s basically all crap that comes out of me. In future I will put a marker in the text when I actually do try to make sense.

Actually I don’t believe anything anymore you say outside this blog either, such as in meetings, conference calls or even most of the work related emails that you write

The horror of training in Belgium is all to familiar to me: Last time I needed to get back to Amsterdam from Bruxelles, I missed 4 trains in total - not all at once, but one after the other, and the whole trip took over 6 hours instead of 3,5.

I find it also intriguing that Indians are used to endless burocracy and petty-theft in India, but once they leave the homeland it seems they forget all the rules: A western country seems so civilized, so crime should be absent, right? Well, this proves them wrong.

This may sound a bit obvious, but I am always surprised when I’m at the airport to see lone travelers but also groups of travelers on the platforms that leave their luggage, standing a couple of meters away from it and looking for what train they need, when it arrives, etc. and basically not attending their luggage. This is asking for trouble. I know that you need to find your train, but when doing so, hold on to your luggage and carry it around with you at all times.

In your case, you guys were inside the train and you did not expect something like this to happen. Well unfortunately, and as your story reveals, it does because thieves also operate inside the train prior to departure. This is an excellent opportunity for them. Steal, leave the train, the train departs and you’ve lost you’re valuables and can’t get off until the next station.

The following rule applies here to avoid theft on a train: Do not leave your luggage unattended (duh). That’s what happened in this case, the luggage was left unattended and got stolen. I am always paranoid when I’m on the train, and that’s why my backpack with laptop inside (backpack is better than laptop bag for obvious reasons) sits on the floor locked between my feet. Never ever in a luggage rack or the luggage spaces behind the seats, not even on the seat besides me (which is also very rude for other passengers who are looking for a seat), but always locked between my legs on the ground. Always in sight and always within reach.

Some more tips from the trenches from a guy who’s been traveling 10+ years with the train and many other forms of public transport where theft is very common (you know me, no driver’s license eh): Carry wallet, phone, tickets and passport on your person and keep them in different places (different pockets), preferable at the front (ventral) of your body (e.g. inner pockets of your coat). I never ever put tickets in my bags, I always carry them on me, whether I go by train or plane. Have phone numbers to lock your bank and phone cards in both your phone and your wallet (in case the one gets stolen, you still have the other with the numbers). When bank cards are stolen, do not wait or hesitate but call your bank immediately and have them locked.

If possible, conceal the fact that you carry a laptop by using a backpack. Do not put valuables in your luggage. They can steal my dirty laundry but they won’t have my pictures, phone, passport, etc. Be and stay sober, well rested and stay awake when traveling alone by train and carrying valuables with you (whether it be day or night). But if you happen to be very tired, do whatever it needs to stay awake, not just so that you don’t miss your station, but to avoid theft as well.

Make sure all sensitive and personal data on your laptop is encrypted with a strong pass phrase. I know it is a hassle for some, but I say: Just do it, especially considering the sensitive nature of Big Acme’s data! And I know that many Big Acme contractors and employees do carry this kind of data on their portables!

Finally, carry that big knife that was given to you during your marine training with the special forces around with you at all times, and remember: Do not leave your luggage unattended.