A Roma castle in Romania. Not the origin of the Romani people.
I would like to preface this post with a little education, if you will. The Roma or Romani are a people with Indian roots and are not Romanian or even from Rome (yes, I have really heard this question). You may have and may read articles confusing the Roma with Romanians which is not only offensive, but also causes great prejudice against the people of Romania. The Roma are a subgroup of the Romani and are often referred to as Gypsies. I’ve also heard the term being used to describe all Romani’s. It should be noted that this term is offensive to the Roma. In saying that, most of them turn so many tricks that it makes it very difficult to respect anything they request. I’m not going to get into their history because there is quite a lot of controversy surrounding them as a group (they kill locals, they’ve been killed by locals, the government cares, the government doesn’t care.. so on) so I will only share what it is I have seen them do or what they have been known to do as relayed to me by my friends here.
If you’ve travelled to Europe before (although they can also be found in the US) you are been familiar with them. There’s that woman with the hole in her skull at the Vatican. The old lady in France, wobbling and shaking and crying. The man in Milan, falling over. The pregnant woman in Slovakia, crying for help. A man holding a baby in Romania, falling over with the baby in his arms. The boy in Czech Republic cowering in a corner with a puppy, with a sign around their necks. These are simply the displays I have seen from various Roma and that is only a handful of incidents. The truth is that I stopped ignoring them long ago, pretending that they do not exist. It sounds harsh, but it is the only way to avoid running in to trouble with them. The moment that they know you have seen them, they will try their tricks on you. The reason why these women have babies or why they have a large hole in their skulls is so they can make money from you. So they can guilt you into giving you their money. Do not feel sorry for them, they do not care about you.
I always liken the Roma to Karrinyup Shopping Centre. Or any other shopping centre. Rokeby Road in Subiaco is one of the worst roads I have been down. The people aren’t shaking or crying or falling over pregnant. They say “Can I ask you a question” whilst they clutch their clipboard, ready to guilt you out of your hard earned dollars. It happens one booth after the next. Before you know it, it becomes a chore to merely walk throughout the shopping centre or down the street. And if you don’t want to talk, they say “Don’t you want to save the earth?” or “Does that mean you support animals being skinned alive?”. And you’re all, shut up and get a real job. This is how I feel about the Roma.
The Roma are far worse. They pop out children because children are a great way to get money. The feed the children drugs so they are hooked and keep coming back to their owners/parents for more. They are bought and sold like property. There is no love. They steal, they lie and they also kill people. Obviously, this is to a great extent but it happens often.
If you’ve ever given money to a Roma because you felt bad, think again. They are completely fine, believe me. They live in extravagant, over-the-top castles and houses larger than you or I could ever dream of. Three story houses almost as big as Subiaco Oval (or whatever they call it now…). They have gold teeth. They are usually over weight. This is a good sign that they’re not starving and are BFFs with their dentist. Your money supports them in their endeavors.
Of course, if you choose not to give them money they will turn their tricks to simply take it off you or rob you of whatever is valuable to you. Side note: wearing your backpack on the front like a dork doesn’t stop the Roma from stealing your shit. I have been beyond amazed at their incredible skill to steal wallets, cameras, phones and passports from people wearing a bag on their fronts. I almost wish I could learn that, just to know how they do it. Like the secret to a magician’s tricks.
If you travel throughout Europe via car or train, be careful not to hand your passport over to someone unless they can show you identification. I’ve heard stories of people driving into Hungary and being stopped by a police officer. They handed over their passports and the “police officer” then asks you to bribe him to give them back. There is also dropping of the gold ring, standing on your feet whilst you are robbed in broad daylight, or snatching your entire wallet and bolting when you open it. Do not let anyone help you purchase tickets at the train station (this is where learning the local language comes in handy). Also be very wary of anyone who pushes past you. A friend had only her wallet stolen from her large tote bag when there was a bit of a crush at a local church. It was truly amazing. Your best bet is to keep your hand on your bag at all times or at least keep an eye on it. They’ll be less likely to try something if they think you will feel them stealing from you.
These kinds of things aren’t only courtesy of the Roma. Locals are known to take advantage of tourists and other locals. My husband and I got done by a Mafia Taxi in Warsaw. Our expensive lesson to you is, ensure the taxi has phone numbers on the outside and do your research of local taxi companies before taking one. They can charge you 100 times the amount you expect. As a result, we no longer take taxis. I can say that I feel the most unsafe in a taxi anywhere in Europe. Mainly because they drive like psychos.
I have read stories of people staying in apartments, only to be robbed of their belongings when they are out, whilst the entertainment system of the apartment stays behind. Raises a few eyebrows, indeed. It seems to be quite a common thing. My advice is to be aware of your surroundings and anyone who looks suspicious and lock any valuables in your suitcase. It is most likely they will not steal the entire suitcase as it is too obvious. It’s much easier to walk out with a laptop, a phone or jewellery.
Be vigilant and always be alert of your surroundings. Do not believe that everyone has your best interests at heart but don’t believe everyone is out to get you, either. Never get so drunk (or high if you’re in Amsterdam) that you don’t know what you’re doing or where you’re going. If something sounds too good to be true, it is. And never make eye contact with a Roma.
Next: Part 9: This is the End.