I talked with my father last night as he's back in the states again. He told me what actually happened regarding their attempted mugging; what I had heard before was third hand information...
So I guess my ma and dad were getting on the metro when a guy stepped in front of my father and dropped his keys at my father's feet. When this guy went down to get his keys, he grabbed my fathers right foot and took off his shoe (thinking that tourists keep money in their shoe? perhaps trying to prevent him from running?). At the same time this happened, another guy stepped behind my father and "flipped out" my father's front right pocket. This sent my father's wallet flying into the air. At this point, my mother grabbed the guy near the ground by the hair; I guess she started wailing on him. My father fell trying to grab his wallet. Somehow the guy who was behind my father, who was also trying to grab the wallet, got tangled up in my father falling. I guess my father's knee or shin came down with my father's full weight on the middle of this guy's forearm.
My father grabbed his wallet about the time that the alarm went off signalling that the doors were about to close. When the alarm sounded, the guys split. After the doors closed my parents were on the metro while the "muggers" were on the platform. My dad said he wasn't able to get a very good look at any of their faces, but he saw that the one he landed on was holding his arm and looked like he was in a lot of pain. They also noticed at this point that there was a third guy, probably a scout.
I am so thankful that my folks are alright. Hopefully the rest of my mother's trip will be just as safe. Ma and Dad, if you read this and want to add anything or clarify, please leave a comment...
I was relating this story last night over dinner with some friends when, after I had finished someone asked a very important question... the answer is: yes, my father did get his shoe back ;)
wanted to post a bit of an update... I got a phone call from my brother the other day, seems my folks called from France. I guess they were in the Metro when two guys tried (note: tried) to steal my mother's purse. I'll need to hear about this in more detail later, but I guess my mother grabbed one of them by the hair while my dad tackled the other. In the process of tackling this guy, my dad accidently broke the guy's arm. The police got involved and took the guys away; my parents are fine. With my mother planning on being there for a month, theses guys stealing my parents passports and money this early in the trip would have been pretty horrible. Thank god they didn't have weapons. Any way, if you read this ma and dad, know that we love you and are thinking of you. stay safe and have fun!
Also, wanted to link to something from the comments: My cousin Ben racing...
looks fun Ben ;)
