Meet our thief:

 Victor Rios Ramanche, male, aged 25, Peruvian, ID number 414562312. 

Boarding a night bus from Arequipa to Cuzco we entered into our usual routine to protect our gear. We were fortunate in being moved forward from seats 15/16 to the front row when we departed. Or so we thought. More room, but now joined across the aisle by the aforementioned animal who was also cabin rolled.  Phill, as usual, took possession of our ultra valuables. Placed between his legs, window side, foot stool pulled down for security, then covered in a blanket and jacket for the long night ahead. We tossed and turned during an uncomfortable night. We regularily felt for our bags. A normal reaction to the paranoia we constantly feel when on the move. 

The following morning at around 6am, we awoke and instinctively felt once more for our bags. Apparently untouched we approached Cuzco bus terminal. Ramanche´s swift exit as we pulled in attracted Sue’s attention. We checked our bags again.  Phill unzipped the bag to discover our money pouches had gone. A heart stopping moment. We screamed out ‘we’ve been done, stop that man’, Sue lept out of the bus, but he was long gone. Phill found the discarded pouches under our seats, though thankfully the thief was only interested in our cash. We still have our passports, credit cards and tickets – well last time we checked at least! The average monthly wage in Peru is less than $100, so imagine this w***ers excitement at scoring $800 from us.  Sue is pretty observant and remembered him being moved to the front of the bus at the same time as we were when we set off. Maybe the conductor  was involved. The innocent looking couple with a baby behind us – what about them. How did they not notice. Maybe a team effort.  

We took details from the buses manifesto and headed for the police station. Their incompetence will no doubt ensure Ramanche has plenty of time to spend his new found wealth. It was reminiscent of a scene from ‘Midnight Express’.  These were the events of 9/12 and have left us feeling pretty upset. Someone  watching us. Putting their grubby hands in our bags. So sly.  Its all smiles in the photos, but make no mistake, this ain’t no holiday.

We have to face 80 more hours on buses before we reach Buenos Aires. Taking risks everyday. Targeted as a ‘wealthy’ tourist. We’ve had enough. In two weeks we cross the border into Argentina. That moment can't arrive too soon.  

You’ve just caught us on a bad day.  

PaS