I feel like I’m going to puke… I can’t see a way that I won’t puke.
I just had all my camera gear, over $3,000 worth, robbed on a bus leaving Quito, Ecuador.
Today I was on my way to Tena, Ecuador to see my friends, who just had their lodge burn to the ground. I was going to see if I could help with the reconstruction, or maybe give them some press in hopes of giving them a boost in tourism or something. Instead, I was jacked of not only my camera equipment, but my livelihood. I am sitting back here in Quito after spending 3 hours scouring the streets with the police and filling out reports. In the end, the police told me that there is nothing they can do realistically. A car stolen can be seen on the streets, a camera could be in any little bag anywhere in the country. Chances are, according to the police, that the camera gear is already in transit for somewhere like Guayaquil to be sold at a black market where no one is looking for it.
In all I lost:
My T1i in Antarctica - click to enlarge
- Canon 60D body = $1,000
- Canon T1i body = Bought for $600 but probably now worth about $300
- Canon 70-200mm f/4 IS lens = $1300 value
- Canon 18-55mm f/3.5/5.6 = $140 value
- A bunch of random bits such as batteries, macro tubes, filters and memory cards
What Happened?
I had just gotten on the bus from Quito bound for Tena (about a 4 hour trip), and we were five minutes outside the terminal. I had a coke, so I opened it and placed my camera bag in between my feet. A couple minutes later I looked down to notice my bag had slid back below my seat, caused – I assumed – by the incline of the bus’ path. As a long term traveller I know that bags under the seat aren’t safe. I slid the bag back between my feet without thinking a thing. Then, as we arrived at a gas station I stepped up to use the bathroom only to find my camera bag as light as a feather when I went to take it with me. At the bottom there was a hole and zipper was partly open. Whoever got in was as smooth as anyone, as the bag still had it’s rain cover on. How did I not feel anything move???
It’s amazing how these things become so clear after they happen; hindsight is so clear. I know exactly how it happened and when. A group of about 5-6 people entered the bus and all took seats behind me, despite there being seats open much further ahead. A lady selling bread stopped beside me to tried her sales pitch on me to which I thanked her and said no. However, she continued to chat with me, which isn’t rare in South America; some people are just interested in foreigners. But quickly, within a minute or two of entering the bus she and the group left the bus. My immediate thought was “they are thieves, who else takes a long distance bus 2-3 minutes?” I looked down at my bag, it was at my feet and didn’t think anything of it until we arrived the gas station.
There was a police officer on the street whom I raced to. He called back up, but in these parts, my camera was long gone by now. The bus staff yelled at me, claiming it was my fault for not putting it below in the luggage case. They are partly right, but what if I wanted to take a picture from the bus? Am I going to leave a small shoulder camera bag in the bottom of the bus? Unfortunately, if I would have left it below, and it was stolen, the bus company would have been responsible, and liable for 50% of the costs. Since I brought it on board with me they are not responsible for a penny, even if the long distance bus company was picking up people and dropping them off like a city bus. The truth is though, these guys were just trying to earn a living, I can’t blame them.
my 60d and 70-200 in the Galapagos - Click to enlarge
After driving around Quito and filing a police report, the police officer in charge of my case was clear: ”we are sorry this happened, it happens far too often to tourists in this city. And I’m even more sorry to tell you that there’s about a 100% chance that you’ll never see your camera gear again. It’s gone.” As I left the station downtown completely devoted to tourism, two more gringos walked in with long faces. I’m not the first one to be robbed here, and I won’t be the last.
What about Travel Insurance, are you covered???
Well, despite the fact that I have 3 different types of travel insurance, thanks to two credit cards and more standard insurance, after consulting with the companies… I’m not covered for theft this large. My personal insurance just covers items under $500 that were purchased in Canada (something I didn’t know until now, not that the $500 would cover anything anyways). All items stolen had a greater value. My credit card travel insurance is only valid for products I bought using their cards. I didn’t make any of these purchases using those credit cards.
Why didn’t I get Better Insurance?
The simple truth? I don’t have that kind of money. Since I’ve begun travelling I’ve never had much money to spend, I have student loan bills, and all of the savings I’ve made in the past couple years has gone to my student loans or the purchase of the camera gear I just lost. To buy worldwide travel insurance for electronics is expensive, it can be well over 150$ a month or more. To cover electronics in high risk areas of the world is more expensive than insuring a car. It seems so ironic (well in an Alanis Morissette version of the term ironic anyways) that I was just talking the other day with friends about a travel insurance that covers these things (by Clements Insurace) for cheaper. I had intentions of buy the top line insurance when my current policy ended at the end of this month.
How do I Feel?
- I feel heartbroken… That camera gear is more than just my camera gear. It was my companion on a lot of adventures, it was my method of expression, and although I only earn a small portion of my income directly from my photo sales it was still my livelihood. I earn my income from this webpage and articles published elsewhere. My work loses it’s value without my photos. How many of you would never come to my site if there were no photos? Heck, I’m not sure I would visit my site without the photos.
The tripod is all I have left, and I don't even have the quick release for it anymore - click to enlarge
- I feel stupid… Despite the fact that I’ve warned people about these sort of things happening, it has happened to me. I should have had that camera bag on my lap, or stuffed it in my big bag below just like I’ve recommended to people over the years. I feel stupid because after 2 and a half years in South America I should have known better. Honestly, I almost wish that I was robbed at gun or knife-point instead so I wouldn’t feel so stupid.
- I feel dull… My face is stretched in a frown, my heart is deeper in my stomach. But somehow I don’t feel anything. Perhaps its my body’s reaction in attempt to keep me from crying, yelling, hitting something, or some combination of all at once. Maybe it’s my body’s version of denial.
- I feel sad… I feel sad that we live in a world where people need to steal for sustenance. I forgive the thieves. I feel sorry for the thieves. Stealing from someone else is rarely right (Robin Hood and The Beach Boys are exempt), but I am not angry with the thieves, I wish them the best. I hope that they can someday find a place in this world where they do not need to take from others to survive. I’ve learned to take responsibility for what I’ve done wrong in life, and it was me who didn’t protect the bag better. If you go around blaming everyone else you’ll only end up with resent in your heart.
- I feel helpless… I am a photographer without a camera, I have a tripod but nothing to place on it and that alone is enough to make me feel helpless and empty. But most of all I feel helpless in the fact that I can never change what had happened. Regardless how many times I go over the situation I can never go back and change anything.
- I feel proud… I feel proud that the police helpful. I feel proud that the man selling ice cream on the bus chose to struggle all day for a tiny income rather than resorting to crime, despite how easy it might be. I feel proud for the Ecuadorian passenger that came off the bus with me to console me and make sure I was ok. And I’m proud of the passenger that stood up to the 3 bus drivers on board who seemed intent on berating me over the fact that this was all my fault.
- I feel angry… And I’m not really sure where to point my anger. I’m not even sure who I’m angry with… but I’m pretty sure it’s just myself I’m mad at.
- But mostly… I feel like puking.
At the End of the Day
I suppose I can be happy that losing possessions is the worst that has happened to me in these years. I suppose it could be much worse. I suppose that although incredibly expensive, possessions can be replaced. I need to be thankful that I am healthy. I am lucky, I have a great family and great friends; knowing that makes my camera gear feel a little bit less important.
Can you Help?
I’ve already gotten lots of messages from friends, family members, and random readers asking if they can help me with something. I have to say, that I have never been good at asking for help. I carry a lot of pride in my independence. . I would never feel comfortable asking anyone for money; and I refuse to do it now. However, if you feel compelled to help me out because you want to start seeing new photos from my travels, and my depiction of the world, soon then there are some things that maybe you could purchase that would help me out… but please, don’t feel obliged (I don’t want you too feel as if you are paying for my own stupidity). Maybe one of the products below this post will come in handy or even make a good Christmas present???
The Products
- Galapagos Islands Calendar:I’ve just come back from the Galapagos Islands and you’ve seen a couple of my images. I have just put together a “Best of the Galapagos Islands” calendar. The price is 26US$ plus 6US$ for shipping. I will earn about 5US$ for every calendar purchased. If you want some other type of Calendar get a hold of me and maybe we can work something out. Buy it here.
- Photo Prints: I sell photos via a gallery on imagekind.com. I am in the process of uploading Galapagos photos and there are plenty others already up. I usually only make a very small amount from these sales, but I have bumped up the price of prints in the Wildlife Gallery for a couple weeks for this case. I will earn between 2$ and 15$ depending on the size of images purchased in this gallery, but of course you can buy from any gallery if you’d like. Visit my all my galleries here.
- Vagabundo Magazine Subscription: I was not about to set out subscription options for the actual digital magazine until next week. However, I’ve decided to do something a little bit desperate. Desperate situations call for desperate measures. I am going to offer a 12 issue subscription via pdf form (to be delivered via email) for 20US$. The magazine will cost about 1.99$ each volume when the first volume is published at the end of December. Hell, if you want to lock in 100US$ worth I’ll give you a lifetime subscription to the magazine. For 12 Issues Click here. Or if you really want a lifetime subscription click here.
- Photography Ebook: I wrote an eBook a while back called “How to Take Great Travel Photos with A Point and Shoot Camera.” You can check it out here.
- Donate: I have had more people than I’d ever image ask me to put up donate button. As I mentioned earlier, I would never ask you to “give” me money. However, since some have requested the button I have put it up below. I appreciate you all so very much.
What if I get my gear Back?
It’s gone. I know how this works, there is maybe a 0.0000001% chance I see it again. BUT, if on the off chance it comes back I will give all the money I eared to a charity to be named if that happens. Moreover, I plan on being completely transparent with you all on my earnings.
Thank You
Thank you Andy… really appreciate the support.
@Kate – Thanks so much for your support, I really do appreciate it. My pops is a pretty cool dude…
Hey Dustin, Yup Clements is in my future. The stupid thing is I was going to buy it at the end of this month but didn’t feel the need to double up on insurance… wrong.
Thanks J. Yeah, writing has always been my therapy… ever since I can remember it was my escape. Even if I never posted this article I would have wrote it. Somethings just need to be said outloud, or on paper, so that they’re not held in and turned into resentment.
Thanks Erik, I appreciate the well wishes. The drive these past couple days has been based entirely on the support you all have shown. Cheers.
James and I read about this this morning…. it’s just awful!!! And getting the right travel insurance is always so tricky when it comes to electronics! At least you were not harmed at all.
We have decided to buy one of your calenders. I hope that helps a little bit anyway!
Jade Johnston – OurOyster.com recently posted..How We Almost Lost Our Entire Website
Hang in there, kiddo. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’ve been robbed (big) twice — once on my second European vacation in middle school and once two years ago in Central America. It is part of the expat tax in that part of the world I think sometimes… Good luck! I could talk/write about this all day, so email me if you need to vent/powwow, etc. Good luck!
Abby recently posted..This is why I travel
Hey Brendan, hope you’re doing OK. I mentioned you on follow friday in the hope of sending you more followers, but that channel nearly broke my internets.
Sending you lots of positive energy. Hang in there.
Melinda Hajdin recently posted..mkhajdin: "We are machines that generate meaning." (Moses Ma) #quotes
Thanks so much for the support Jade. I am wrinkling out a small detail with the calendar but hopefully it gets to you by Christmas
@Abby – Thanks so much. The truth is, I’ve already moved on. The community has been amazing at putting me back on my feet. I appreciate your support. I will be in Vegas this January… we’ll have to get a drink at some point.
Thank you Melinda, I appreciate the support. I am doing well thanks to such a great amount of support. Cheers.
No way man! That is terrible, I’m sorry. I can only imagine the mix of emotions you must be going through right now. It’s good to see you’re getting a lot of support. This also serves as a good reminder for all of us, too. I’m usually very careful with my belongings, since it literally carries my whole life, but after reading this I realize I’ve been getting a little lax, and I can never be too careful. I’m sorry again, bro, I hope everything works out.
J.R. Riel recently posted..Drifter Series – Trek Through the Wilderness, Part 3 | Corcovado, Costa Rica
Oh and I was gonna say, be careful with the Paypal “donation” button, as I recently had my account restricted. I’ve used it for years, but I ran into some trouble here in Asia, and like you had to ask friends and family for support, which I NEVER do. (Your line about never doing that is almost a reflection of what I wrote in my email.) Anyhow, I had immediate and amazing support, with double the amount of what I needed, well this raised some red flags for Paypal, they were suspicious as to why I had such high donations from people all over the world and I was transferring that to a Hawaii bank account while I was in Taiwan. I know now, looking back, it would seem a little fishy if you didn’t know what was really going on. As a result, they locked all of the Paypal accounts of the people who donated money to me, only reopening it when they were able to verify that it wasn’t identity theft, and as for my account, since I’m not registered as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) they did not verify it. I tried to explain to them that I didn’t know it had to be registered as an NPO, and that I was just using it as a way for friends and family to help me out. Either way, I broke the rules, albeit unknowingly, and my Paypal account is forever locked. Anyway, I just wanted to give you a heads up on that one, bro. Good luck!
J.R. Riel recently posted..Drifter Series – Trek Through the Wilderness, Part 3 | Corcovado, Costa Rica
This is terrible! I’m so sorry to hear this Brendan.
Roy Marvelous recently posted..Turkey Day In Turkey & Pilgrims On The Beach
Brendan, I am so sorry to hear about this. So sorry and I hope it works out.
Akila recently posted..weekly photo: on the moors
Brendan, sorry to hear what happened. I know how you feel. I got my DSLR/lens/credit cards/passport stolen from a bus in Peru about six months ago, about $2000 worth of stuff, I did have a specific insurance for the camera, that covered most of it, so it was a little different for me. But that was the thing, it was’t so much about the money, it was that I felt stupid, I knew it could happen, why hadn’t I been more careful. I should’ve known better. And I felt hollow, I spent two weeks in Lima waiting for a new passport, I could’ve traveled, but only went to Paracas for few days. I just didn’t feel like traveling. It will take a while to get over it, but you will!
Jarmo @Arctic Nomad recently posted..To Pai and Back, the Long Way
Dude. So sorry. Like I said on Twitter. I feel badly. I hope we can all help out in our little way. Your shots are great. I dont want to miss out on more!
Jim O’Donnell recently posted..The Suicidal Architecture of Skopje, Macedonia
Just read your post and it reminded me of that gut wrenching moment when you go cold realising your stuff has been stolen, also happened to me in Ecuador, Quito. I love your images so am buying a calendar, hope that goes towards helping you out, and we get to see more of your great photos. If you also want a free subscription to our house sitting website then email me, may help you find a place to stay for free whilst you recoup and save for a new camera. Good luck!
Urgh, I know that heart wrenching moment when you realise, I also had my bag stolen in Quito, tis the place for it. Also felt pretty stupid at the time, but it is rife… I came across your photos recently and think they are amazing. Will buy a calendar to hopefully help and it’s the perfect gift at this time of year.
If you fancy a free subscription to our house sitting website then do let me know and I’ll send you a promo code, may help you find a nice place to stay for free until you get back on your feet with camera in hand! Good luck….
Rachel Martin recently posted..Porches, Portugal – Pet/house sitter required for timid ex street cat
I just donated some money mate!!! I hope you collect enough money and get yourself new camera gear back, you are a great photographer!!
Wrote a little note on the donation
Cheers,
S.
Sebastian from Off-The-Path.com recently posted..The House Of Terror
Brendan, that sucks sooooo much. And unfortunately I understand all to well that feeling of stupidity that takes forever to get over. Especially when you’re a seasoned traveler. But you know…as much as possible be inwardly forgiving, and continue to cherish this community of yours that has your back. Best wishes for amazing things to come out of this experience.
Heather T recently posted..Death by Desk Job (or Don’t put me in a Silo)
I can sympathize. I was stabbed with a screwdriver in ecuador by someone trying to get their hands on my wallet. I had stepped forward between the man and my wife.
It is worth checking your house insurance policy. My brother got his camera gear replaced because of damage on a trip, even after explaining that he wasn’t at home at the time.
I think you’ve said it all as far as feelings go.
Paulo recently posted..DIY: Winter Projects – Helle Knives
Oh, man. We’ve featured your scrapes and near misses a few times in The Working Traveller because they have been some of my favourite posts across the web. This isn’t funny though and I’m sorry it has happened to you.
Shane recently posted..My Bad Travel Photo: Big Blurry Bug, Cameron Highlands
So sorry to hear this, Brendan, getting all your gear stolen must really hurt. You’ve published so many amazing photos on this website, we hope you’ll be able to sell some to a big publication & that it pays to replace your gear!
Globetrottergirls recently posted..GlobetrotterGirls Holiday Travel Guide 2011
What a hideous experience. My sympathies and I agree with the comment above about checking your household insurance. Hopefully it may cover something of the loss. Your photos are absolutely stunning.
Kathleen C Baker recently posted..Avoid aircraft cabin flu
Brendan,
So sorry this happened to you, and I am sorry I have just heard about this now. Have not been reading blogs as much lately. I will do what I can.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Paddling with alligators and crocodiles in Florida
Thanks Ted… the process has been a challenge but these things have a way of working themselves out for the better.
You don’t have to feel sad since you still have your life! You still have hope, so make the best out of it.
Jack recently posted..How and where can You buy iPhone accessories?
Life continues its just pure material thing. You should be glad that you still have your life, so cheer up!
Mike Stewart recently posted..Reason For Failure in Cake Making