As you said the muggers weren't Portuguese but how amazing that people came running to your aid. That really says so much about the countrty and its people. So I leave this video with more appreciation for Portugal not less.
@@viajarporaipelomundo8509 , Ele diz que não eram portugueses ( e que fossem, existem ladrões em todo lado), mas os senhores insistem q eram Pts. Pq?? Estavam lá, assistiram???
Recovery note: As someone who has taken multiple face punches in an event, you need to get you nose straightened asap. i waited too long and they were only able to fix it a little bit (surgery) and now my only recourse is having it rebroken/bigger surgery. Please see an ENT. And yes, every place, late at night, can be dangerous. Please take care.
great advice! and i'm very sorry for you and hope you are somewhere safe surrounded by people who will get as upset as I got when I read this and do something about it!
I come from Canada considered a "safe place". I will never forget my Dad's admonition "nothing good happens after midnight" What it really means is that you need to be more careful when less people are about. 8:48 8:48
I am Portuguese and I hate hearing about this kind of situations but it's good that u show people that even if are in a safe country you need to be aware of everything. Be save
@@musa-too hahahahaha you think a corrupt goverment gives the right numbers? for feck sake the police don't even write a report in many cases and nothing ever happens when you contact the police unless you grease the right ppl
@@anaritacoelho6689that someone "claim" it is a safe country doesn't mean it IS... and yes I am from Denmark, #2 on the list... plenty drugs in the cities with included nasty ppl and you have a high chance of losting your stuff at home if you dare leave your house and the police is useless
If this ever happens, get into the first bar/restaurant/shop you can find, the owners will never allow any aggression inside and they will call the police for you. So sorry this happened to you, Dave.
I saw fight inside a McDonald’s in a train station in Germany and the police came almost immediately to get the two men and they were still trying to fight and get at each other!!!
@@enjoystraveling That's in Germany, a totally different country. I can't really see that happening in Lisbon, but what do I know? Not long ago we had a fully naked totally drunk man trying to hug the policemen and trying to get INTO a police car... 🤣
@@cilajoao1 yes I know Germany is a different country than Portugal, I’ve been to both. I just mentioned Germany because he was talking about McDonald’s so it reminded me of the incident since I had happened to be eating at a McDonald’s when this huge fight broke out
@@enjoystraveling Such a strange experience that must have been... how can they not stop fighting with families and kids around? Some people just have zero sense.
I really appreciate the articulate and even-handed way you present the content of your videos. As someone who is Portuguese but has lived in the US most of my adult life, it is gratifying that you have embraced Portuguese culture and the overall goodness that the country and its people have to offer. There is good and bad in every livable place on the planet, but it is telling that a stranger came up to you and apologized for what happened to you and told you that is not how we Portuguese are, and that three individuals actually came to your assistance. Sadly, here in the US they would have stood there with their cell phones and shot video of it all for some online likes without lifting a finger.
I’m Portuguese, living in the states, and of course, it bums me out to hear the story, Dave. I really appreciate how fair and open you were about the experience, and also not trying to exacerbate any tensions amongst different groups. I continue to hope that the authorities in Portugal are able to maintain order, as our beautiful little country becomes more popular as is the trend over the last couple of years. Stay safe wherever you are in the world.
It certainly is, tao bonito! I wish I had discovered it years ago in 1986 when my 2nd cousin married into The Tavares family that immigrated here. The parents became the finest tailors in the whole state!! 🙂 I also have not studied the political environment in Portugal so many years ago. There must have been some strife that urged them to leave 😐
He wasn't open! He didn't tell us the Race of the people who did it! I have been to Portugal many times, all the guys selling drugs are illegal Africans! Not Portuguese!
@@kingquinn3897 All crowded cities are like this, especially in quiet areas, especially at night. There are unsafe areas, there are unsafe times. And then there are pickpockets even in crowded, safe areas in the middle of the day. It always requires going to the right places at the right times, and knowing how to protect your valuables. I have traveled a lot in the US and Europe since the eighties, and it has always been like this. Some are better than others, but pretty none are immune. Yes, the poorer neighborhoods tend to be the less safe ones. These can be white, brown, or black neighborhoods. It is gernerally not a matter of race or ethnicity but rather a socioeconomic issue. These communities tend to be more antagonistic toward people with money, more aggressive and violent, and more likely to mug and take your money. Such a person is just as likely to harass a person of their own race or ethnicity if they have entered the wrong territory. It has been like that my entire life. If you go to any travel website, they will give you the same pieces of advice for traveling to metropolitan areas.
I'm Portuguese and am so sorry to hear what happen to you. I hope you are healing well. When I was growing up we used to go shopping and leave the doors unlocked and the windows open. We cannot do that anymore!
I’m really sorry for you Dave 😣. Our country is falling apart due to uncontrolled and ilegal migrantes. Keep strong and showing us how much good things and people Portugal has to offer. 💪
So people keep flooding lol? That's the only downside. Maybe people should do the research and find better places on their own as opposed to tons of youtubers spilling the beans ya know.
See, I'm not that sorry that this happened to him. In fact, I think had it comin. Homeboy was drunk out late in front of the McDonald's he 'hates' so much it's in 2 videos and he's punched there. But not because he was too pure for these immigrant 'illicit' (cuz which arent?) drugs. It was because he is already such a punchable guy! no? Am i the only one? Plus he turned around and aggressed on em. Dummmmmmb. And the filter he put on the video is like a lifetime movie. Do stay safe- at home. In America. Forever.
As portuguese and as a long time follower of your great content, It's heartbroken to hear that you had such a sad episode during your stay here in Porto. I'm from the city and I walk around it daily from early in the morning until late at night and I can assure that even though things are WAY better comparing to decades ago, It's also getting worse having in mind the last 5 years. Unfortunately the security is going downhill thanks to the lack of policies related to the uncontrolled immigration coming to Portugal without any major prior criminal check-ups. I really hope you get better Dave, Stay safe!
There are unsafe areas and times and conditions (empty streets) in most cities. If crime in Proto/Portugal is still below what it was in the past, when immigration was lower, how can it be related solely to immigration? It can't. They say this in the U.S., too, but the statistics never prove that. States with more guns, which tend to be very white, have way more gun injuries and deaths than the ones with fewer guns and more minorities. Trump, for example, calls Mexicans rapists and murderers, even though the rate of rape and murder is no higher than that among white people. Some of these perceptions and judgments are based on people focusing on certain incidences, discussing them endlessly, exaggerating them, and not knowing the statistics, and when they hear the statistics, they refuse to believe them, and they continue to focus on the stories, some of which are just rumors and conspiracy theories. That's a big problem here in the U.S. Again, there are safe and unsafe areas. The unsafe areas tend to be poor neighborhoods, regardless of the race or ethnicity. If the neighborhood is poor, it has a greater chance of being unsafe. Especially at night. Be safe. Another thing, in a lot of these Europen countries where right-wing, anti-immigrant groups are growing, I check the statistics and they generally have few actual immigrants; they continue to be predominantly native. And the crime statistics tend not to be that different. It seems that the problems that exist, however, are blamed on certain immigrants... I know Portugal has had a lot of immigration in recent years, but I thought most of that was digital nomads and retirees, mostly white, because the attractive visas and tax benefits? As for not checking the criminal records of immigrants, yes, you are right, that is going to increase problems. That is bad policy. Funny, because everywhere I look (I am considering retiring abroad), I see a requirement to reveal your criminal history, if you have one. I am surprised Portugal did not adopt this policy, especially when they changed the visa and tax laws to encourage people to immigrate. Hope they change it soon.
@@izzytoons not every immigrant is bad, but they are not all good. there are bad seeds everywhere. Also, before you start commenting something you don't understand, please leave you liberal shoes in front of the door. there are tons of bad things happened in US that have absolutely nothing to do with Trump, but with Biden policy. You might be for open boarder, but in reality is a VERY bad policy/idea.
I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m glad the other guys came to help you. I’ve been watching your videos in preparation for our visit as we’re leaving for Portugal in a couple of weeks for three weeks and this is a reminder to not let our guard down. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Ditto for me. My wife and I are going to Portugal in May for three weeks. I won't let my guard down either. My big fear is that I'm bringing a camera bag (backpack) with camera gear and I know it will make me a target.
@@ericwilcox2442 your biggest concern in places like Lisbon and Porto isn't going to be a backpack. Be mindful of your wallet because, sadly pickpockets are the biggest scourge in these cities.
The same rules apply in any major city. Do your research and ask people and identify what areas are safe and stay in them. Stay where other people are, though be careful of pickpockets in those places. Learn how to protect your wallet, smart phone, etc. At night, go and stay where there are other people. If you do drink a lot, walk home in a gang of adults on main streets or get a cab or Uber home, especially if the streets are empty. Call for the car when you are inside with other people, go out when the car arrives. Don't stay out late. I'd say no later than ten. These are just basic rules. I've followed them since the eighties, all over the U.S. and Europe, and I've never come close to a problem. If you follow them, you should be fine and have a great time!
Bromano! Ugh this made my heart hurt for you, for Porto and Portugal. I live here in Gaia (by Jardim do Morro) and walk through Aliados and past that McDonalds every week many times...including late at night. Thank you for sharing this incident with us. As someone who has lived here for 1.5 years now (from the USA) I have felt immensely safe here. In fact it took me a long time to realize just how safe I am compared to the USA. I really resonated with what you said about having lived in big cities. I lived in NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego and have a certain sense of "street smarts" that perhaps gives me too much confidence here in Porto. Duly noted. For the record, before I came here I found some of your videos on YT and they helped me so much. Little did I know that Portugal would become my home. I am so happy here and wouldn't trade it for anything. That said, I will be walking through Aliados to Cedofeita area tonight and will have you sitting on my shoulder reminding me to keep my NYC street smarts alive. :-)
Hey Dave, I'm sorry to hear something like this happened to you. I'm Brazilian and I moved to Porto recently, looking for a safer place to live and very well guided and inspired by your videos. My wife and I were walking around this side of the Porto at late hours and we were very low guard compared to Brazil due to the security that Portugal transmits. We saw a similar situation happening with an elderly couple, but instead of selling drugs he was asking for money very aggressively and following them, but they were fine because they went into a bar, which we did the same. Which was a good reminder to keep our guard up at late hours even here. I wish you a good recovery and don't stop enjoying Portugal due to an event like this. I hope one day to bump into you in Porto and share a bottle of wine to thank you for the excellent content you provide here o/
I'm so sorry about this Dave, please dont forget to put ice on it, very important!!! Thanks for sharing this video, i'm going to be aware when i am travelling because i will recall this video.
Hi Dave . So sorry this happened to you . 🤥 We moved to Portugal over 3 years ago from London and first visited Lisbon . And we had the same problem with the " selling drugs thing "" but I am Scottish and have a very aggressive accent and they backed away , I also ware glasses 😂. They did not bother us the next day . But I have to agree with you that this is a rare thing here . We feel very safe here ( Algarve ) in Silves and I am a much better person for living here . The local Portuguese people are so kind . I am and will be forever grateful . Love the youtube videos . 😁
I'm really sorry this happened to you. My partner and I were in Lisbon in May 2023 (ironically as a "scouting trip" because we were thinking about moving there) and had a very similar scenario happen to us. Someone asked us if we wanted to buy off them, we said no politely, and they kept following us and some of their friends joined. This was at like 3PM in the day. We quickly walked away and went into a cafe to wait it out. It was very scary and reason enough for me to write off Lisbon as a place to live because I was genuinely afraid to go outside by myself. We ended up moving to Malaga, Spain.
Glad you weren't seriously injured. But a good warning against complacency - there's a big difference between being one of the safer countries in the world and being completely safe.
Tell me one country these days where you can walk after midnight - as a tourist - drunk and aggressive - without running into trouble. It is not if but when.
Porto is my favourite city. The mugging sucks but the warmth and care of the local and international Portuguese community is superb and exactly what I remember. I’ll be back at the end of May on vacation. Great catching up on your videos Dave.
Hi Dave! Porto is my hometown and where I live. I’m really sorry to hear about what happened to you 😢 I’ve been seeing those kind of aggressive behaviors from non-Portuguese individuals and it makes me really sad that they’re ruining our peaceful city and country. Hope you feel better!
Isto ainda é só o começo, a imigração (composta por uma grande maioria de homens do terceiro mundo) está completamente descontrolada e nem sequer verificam os antecedentes criminais. Ou o Chega tem já uma grande votação ou então depois já vai ser tarde para corrigir a porcaria que fizeram.
I feel sorry this happened to you. Your videos have been useful in preparing ourselves for upcoming travel. It sounds like you carried yourself well, and the clarity and tone of your recounting of the story shows it. I hope you recovered well from it, and keep making great content.
Sorry this happened to you and thanks for the reminder. I just left Porto but still traveling in Portugal. I feel very safe here but I do need to remember to be aware of my surroundings, not just here but anywhere (if I am traveling or back at home). Glad the 3 nice people came to your rescue!
From a wonderful and peaceful country it’s becoming lawless since the so called “refugees” invaded my beloved Country. Who’s responsible for this? Well, European Union and the dishonest Portuguese politicians who just want to lineup their pockets. Our national anthem starts something like this: Heroes of the sea, noble people, valiant nation, immortal…” well, I rest my case. Every time a foreigner visits my country I want them to feel at home; I want even the weather to be pleasant so they can enjoy. I’d like to wish you a speedy recovery. Have a good day.
I'm a venezuelan living in Porto for the past 6 years. Very close to city center. I OFTEN go out at nights, close to midnight for a walk or a run and I've never felt safer. I'm totally aware that you can get in these kind of situations literally ANYWHERE in the world, even in the most developed countries, but I can assure anyone reading this that Porto is the place where I've felt the safest and what happened to Dave was isolated. I've dealt with these drug dealers offering things and they've never insisted after my first "no".
@@christiandasilva9435estuve en Oporto en Portugal hace justo un año y vi 2 coches a los que les habían robado las pertenencias tras romperles los vidrios con una piedra. 2 lunas rotas en 2 coches distintos en menos de 48h.
I read an almost identical story in a Reddit thread recently, but it happened in Lisboa and the person was robbed of hundreds of euros from people trying to sell them “drugs.” Be safe out there. One of the reasons I moved from LA to Portugal was to feel safer, but we must be alert everywhere. So sorry this happened to you, Dave.
I heard this story, too. Then a few nights ago I was walking near Pink Street (hell hole) and some dude was badgering me about trying his free cocaine. I said your cocaine is fake. He then proceeded to get quite aggressive and follow me down the street for a minute or so. Probably not the wisest move on my part.
@@BigSmall-l4g Immigration is a good thing. If you bring up anecdotes or statistics that show rising crime of whatever you're just a racist to be ignored. If the entirety of Africa comes to Portugal, that's a good thing, only racists would disagree.
@@lynxcato3327 ? Im not racist. Crime has been rising and they arent portuguese. You clearly didnt go to school boy. Go on , there is still time and hope for you
As a Portuguese man living in the USA I extend my apologies for what happened to you Dave. Portugal has let in too many people some of whom suck…..no skills….except robbery etc.etc. Too bad…
@@bookinsights1092 Unfortunately, groups like CHEGA are not entirely honest when blaming problems on immigrants, nor do they only address immigration problems. They bring a lot of other bad policies with them, such as sexism, favoring the rich, and reducing important social programs, just to name a few. By the way, I guarantee there are Portuguese people selling drugs, and not necessarily being pleasant about it.
Great video Dave. The gentleman who said ‘this is not Portugal’ is 100% right. It’s awful to think but there are rotten people out there who see someone out alone at night as an easy target. And your point about what’s happening across Europe right now cannot go unsaid in this context. Thanks for your honesty. Porto remains my favourite city in the world. I can’t wait to return. ❤
thank you for sharing man and hope you've recovered well in all aspects. sorry this happened to you - not fun at all having your space invaded at any time but especially on a trip when you're looking to release tension.
Wow...your opening scene is on Rua das Flores in front of the hotel I stayed at...what a beautiful street. I was saying, oh no, I walked there every night on my way somewhere. The lights, the outdoor music, the restaurants, and general sense of being alive, and all that was happening in off season in February last year. I met up with my guide to the Douro River Valley in front of that same MacDonald's. I'm a female solo traveler and I won't let that dissuade me but your honesty reinforces the reality that no one should be too careful. The world is rapidly changing. See Portugal for its beauty and history and the Portuguese people are amazingly kind and welcoming. Just remain aware, take in the beauty, and keep on traveling. Thank you, Dave. I'm happy you came out of this okay.
When I was a child, I spent 7 weeks every summer near Lisbon and one day lots of children (from a big family clan) came to my sister and me on the beach and some of the children distracted us with questions while the others searched for money in our rucksacks. A Portuguese man at a beach bar observed this behaviour and came to our aid - thank God.
They were no doubt Roma/Gypsy s. They're a pain in a** all over Europe especially France. By what you describe. And yes, they're very organized and they often work out of a big Mercedes van.
@@marccano5061 that was my guess immediately also.... also because big family with lots of children is very unusual among Portuguese, unless from Roma/Gypsys origin... the big white van is also very typical of them. Glad that the man intervened. When people stop intervening, and caring, and acting to help (if possible), there goes our last spark of humanity :(
Oh Dave, what a cool video, so honest. I'm sorry about what happened to you. I'm from Brazil and, when we came here, we had an incredible feeling of security, but bad things can happen even here, one of the safest countries in the world. That's why we always have to be attentive. Thanks and of course, you gained another subscriber
Thank you for making this video. I’m an Aussie living in Portugal for several years. I have never had an issue but been offered “oregano” many times. You handled your experience very well and as you said it’s all about situational awareness. Hope your future journeys are trouble free.
So sorry Dave. I'm very grateful 🙏 for the heros that came to your rescue. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I really love your channel, take good care ❤
Dave, can you file an assault report at the police station? I think stepping up and reporting this will be a legal statement in case others have also been assaulted, etc....or in case you have something else happen. I think it's better to report things like this to the authorities so they're aware too. These thugs need to be arrested or given fines and night in jail or something to be accountable for what they did to you.
I will be visiting Porto soon, in March, with my too young daughters. It's a shame to hear what happened to you. I will be carefull. But I wont defenitily be out at that time after 10pm. Take care Dave and keep enjoying Portugal! And please dont go alone after 12 o'clock.
The other thing is learn the precautions for protecting your wallet, smart phone, and other valuables. Pickpocketing happens in broad daylight, in crowded public areas, by white people, even women... perhaps exactly what you wouldn't expect. Protect your valuables, keep track of what's going on around you, people brushing up against you, etc. At night, try to walk in groups, only in well lit areas, preferably where other people are, in safe areas. (And learn where unsafe areas are.) If you can't travel under these conditions, call cab while you are inside with other people. This is true for pretty much any big city. Not just NYC, Chicago, SF, LA, etc. But London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Barcelona... wherever. I've been traveling since 1984, and it's always been this way. Well before the immigrants...
I`m Portuguese, I live in Porto and I`m mad someone would do that to you. I`m so so sorry this happened to you, keep safe Dave. Also subscribed is the least I can do.
That's my hometown. I'm sorry this happened, Dave. We are a peaceful country but crime does exist. To all foreigners, be very vigilant in tourist areas especially, everywhere else is usually safe. Glad to hear that even though you were mugged by another foreigner, some locals came to help you out! Hope you make a full recovery soon❤
Congratulations! Welcome to the club. Was mugged in Seville, Coimbra and Lisbon. Had a friend jumped and beaten up in Bairro Alto, Lisbon, the same night I told him to be careful in Bairro Alto. He didn't listen. It's important to mention who did the mugging, because certain modern sensitivities will shame your spidey sense for being racist when all it is is good sense. In Seville, I was mugged by three Jitanos on a scooter. In Coimbra, it was two Siganos right in front of the Sé Velha. I had met one of them in a bar earlier and had a rather pleasant conversation. Short while later, same guy had a gun in my face. In Lisbon, in deepest darkest Bairro Alto, it was a white and black dynamic duo, with another gun in my face. Never got a black eye or bloody nose, though. Just threw my money at them and managed to talk my way out of a beating. When you travel, don't be drunk and alone after midnight. Doing that puts a big fat target on your back. As for Portugal being safe...it is. Lisbon and Porto were more dangerous 20 or so years ago. However, just today, watched a report on how muggings have spiked in the Anjos bairro of Lisbon, where I lived for several years. Migrants have moved in and set up tent colonies, and now crime has returned to the streets of Lisbon. It is what it is, folks. Be careful out there, and hopefully this isn't an omen of bad things to come in Portugal 🇵🇹 with regards to street crime.
Totally agree, people need to know who did it. Enough with that fear propaganda of being called a "racist". Worse racism in Western Europe today is against white people.
Totally agree a lot of it is culture and how you are brought up, if you have to fight to survive then that's all they know and that's what they will do, it's not racist it's culture and upbringing. The solution as always is to crush corruption but most politicians are too corrupt to do that even in western countries
I am sorry Dave for what happened to you , but today with the globalist agenda ,the WEF ,the EU and North America people need to wake up : open borders need to be closed . The globalists agenda is: no borders no passports required, the western world needs to wake up. I am Portuguese I live in Canada , the same thing is happening here especially in Toronto or any major city . This open border policy must end ,before our way of life is totally destroyed Our politicians need to be accountable ,before it's too late . I have been following what is happening in the EU ,they are being puppets of the globalists and the WEF , they better stand up to corruption and disorder if they don't want to lose their Law and order peaceful countries .God Bless our western way of life .We need to defend it .
I hate that happened to you, Dave. Glad to hear you're okay and taking it all in stride. Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts in an honest and balanced way.
Yup. For example, the pickpocketing tends to happen in broad daylight, in crowded (not deserted) areas, by white people, even women. Totally unsuspecting circumstances. You just have to learn how to protect your valuables.
Hello Dave, thank you for the video & sorry to hear this has happened to you. We are frequent travellers to Europe & try to be vigilant wherever we go. We actually got mugged in Paris a few years back. We were in a restaurant & I had my partners bag hanging from the back of my chair. An hour into our session she asked for her bag & that’s when I noticed that it was gone. Everything was in that bag (except her passport) & as mentioned, this happened inside the restaurant. Anyhow, still need to visit Portugal. Big cheers from Melbourne 🍷…
Hey, Dave! Unfortunately, I also met drugsellers at Porto, though the situations in which they tried to sell drugs weren't that bad. Hope you recover soon, and best of luck in dealing with these people! Hope to see more of your videos.
Sorry to hear about your run in bud. Same thing happened to me, only in Calgary in Canada. Some tweeker thought I was pointing at him and just randomly wacked me in the face. I was with other people, so we just moved on. Anyway, stay safe, heal up and have a shot on us!
I'm truly sorry to hear about your experience. I had a comparable situation in Porto towards the end of January 2023, near the location you've pointed out. Please take good care of yourself, and I hope you've filed a report to assist in raising awareness among the Portuguese that things are changing.
Sorry to hear about this. I'm hoping to retire there in a few years with my wife. She has family about an hour from Porto, I've been there many times and never felt being in any danger. Then again I haven't been out alone at midnight with a good alcohol buzz. Thanks for sharing, Hopefully you're feeling better. Lesson here is "Don't let your guard down anywhere."
Dave I’m so sorry you had this experience and I sincerely hope it does not deeply color your whole Living in Portugal experience. I was pick pocketed in Lisbon 16 months ago - due primarily to my own stupidity, and it was a nightmare replacing my cards, etc. but I learned my lesson ( $$$$) and did not let it affect the rest of my trip. I found my 2 weeks in Porto to be some of the best experiences of my life and the people were remarkably kind and helpful to us naive American tourists. I am looking forward to returning and I wish you the best in your life there.
Hey Dave. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I feel ashamed that my country was the location for this altercation. I hope you’re alright and this will never happens to you again. I’m in the process of moving permanently to Portugal from Canada in April and would love to meet you and have an Imperial with you. I have a place in Boliqueime and if you ever happen to be down south, I hope we can meet face to face. Take care Dave
Aww, Dave, that really sucks and I’m so sorry that happened to you! My wife and I recently visited Lisbon & Porto for our 30th anniversary and my 55th birthday and I credit you and your videos for having a huge part in making it an absolutely amazing trip. I did as you said, I think we left Portugal a little better than we found it. Can’t say the same for your attackers, but the kindness of the guys who came to your aid is exactly the kind of thing I would have expected from the locals. If anything, your video has given me more faith in humanity and just love Portugal that much more. Take care of that shiner and your nose and keep bringing that joy to the rest of us living vicariously through you!!
I am Portuguese living in London. I am so sorry Dave you experienced that. Even though Portugal is consider as a save country time to time we hear stories like that. One of the things I always heard when living in Portugal was if we go out at night to make sure we don’t walk around on the streets alone late at night specially if we have been drinking. it’s always sad to hear this stories, I my self experienced a similar situation when visiting Lisbon with people trying to sell you drugs. I got so irritated with one of them because it seemed he was following us. My husband isn’t Portuguese, and the guy selling the drugs always spoke in English to my husband never to me. Even after my husband saying several times no to him, he kept asking the same question and followed us in a very busy street near to the Chiado in Lisbon in day light. I got so irritated at him that I gave him a good shout down in a good Portuguese way (if you know what I mean) that he stopped straight away. I don’t know if was because it is a very busy street in day light, or because I am a woman or it was the fact I spoke Portuguese to him and made him stop. Thanks God nothing happened to my husband or to me that day. I actually feel ashamed of that part of Portugal with people selling drugs on the streets. I think the government should tackle that more. Also, many of those people are selling fake drugs, it’s just another way of stilling people. I also feel like they go more for the tourists because is more likely for them not to know the local laws wether the natives will know better what to do, who to contact and so on. With that said, and as you mentioned in your video these things can happen anywhere in the world. I live in London now and here walking on the streets at night alone after 9 is a no no. Always make sure you get a ride home. Be save!
Well, safety always goes down the drain because of certain groups of people migrating to those countries. People know what these groups look like but never say it out loud because they always are cowardly and fearful of being labeled as you know what.
I really love your incredibly balanced perspective and your effort to be fair in the face of what was undoubtedly a very scary situation. I'm sorry you had to go through this, but I appreciate you sharing your story and NOT making it about the "ethnicity" of your attackers. Best wishes to you and I hope you are recovering well from your physical and psychological wounds.
Rome, Verona, London, and Cabo San Lucas Mexico are places I have experienced negative treatment, thankfully I have not been hit. It is scary and can happen anywhere and it seems places frequented by tourists are the worst. Glad that you are recovering, please take care and stay aware as an expat in Portugal.🇵🇹🇺🇸
Dave, what a scary life lesson! Keep vigilant, but at the same time, don't let this incident affect your confidence to explore and enjoy your surroundings!
Thanks for sharing this useful and informative video. Hope you stay safe and thanks for your honesty and objectivity. Your first point is key. Midnight, Walking Alone, Deserted Area, with a drink too many. All the Best and get well soon.
Sorry to hear about this Dave, hope you rest and heal up soon.. We were in Porto in mid October and also Lisboa , Guimarães, Coimbra, and Evora. Then we went onwards along the coast to Sagres and then to Albufeira .. we didn't run into any trouble there.. we continued through Spain for the month of November and also had no issues.
Sorry to hear that this happened to you Dave! I've been living in Porto for 6 months now and haven't experienced anything like this, but as you said, this could happen anywhere in the world. I hope that shiner and nose heals up soon! 💪🏼
Hi Dave so sorry to hear about your experience and thank you for your honesty, and lovely way you speak about my country like you say this could have happened anywhere but it's always such a shock when it happens i hope your eye recovers soon. Many years ago that Mc Donalds building was a fantastic restaurant called " Imperial " i have many fond memories growing up and going there for lunch with my family and always admiring the large Eagle above the doorway. Looking forward to watching more of your videos thank you sooo much i really appreciate them as i'm sure i speak for all your subcribers😊
According to the Eurostat (The statistical office of the European Union) in 2022 there was 3 member states with a robbery rate higher than 100 per 100 000 people. They were 1st Belgium , 2nd Spain and 3rd Portugal. Portugal was safe but no longer is , Portugal has it's own bad citizens like any country but is receiving immigrants from countries that have an higher homicide rate by itself than the homicide rate , the number of people killed in terrorist attacks and the number of people killed in civil war put together in countries like Syria , Iraq , Afghanistan and many others. If I name the nationality of the immigrants that are causing the huge increase of criminality in Portugal I'm immediately accused of being a racist , they become the victims of my racism and their victims are blamed for being robbed , assaulted or killed on their way to work or during a night out.
@terra7066 unfortunantely socialism is destroing Portugal, they approve uncontrolled imigration, and this is the worst thing they could do. Did you know that everyday 100 people from indostan are arriving to Porto? Having Said that, you can imagine what is going on now, and you can imagine the future!!!! We are going to have elections on Match 10 th, if the socialism wins again, this country will never be Portugal again, and not even Europe...very sad😢😊😊😢
Portugal is still extremely safe as long as you don't risk around at night in the big touristic cities. It's still considered the 7th safest country in the world.
I love how people comment with zero regards to facts. Nothing in this thread makes sense. This lady saying that socialism is killing the country, we don't have socialism in Portugal, so that's lie number 1. Only someone who is completely alienated from polítics says we have socialism here. The owner of the comment says Portugal isn't safe anymore, and in 2023 we raked the 7th safest country in the world. Basically people are now product of the society of the spectacle. Click baits, and titles without reading the whole thing. Portugal is a safe country, and still one of the safest countries in the world. You write this and you miss the most important part of the video where the guy says locals told him that it was different 20 years ago and much worse. I'm a local, and I remember no one even daring to walk downtown at night , not even in small groups. So lick you your dogmatic speeches elsewhere.
Thank you for making this brave video. It will certainly help many travelers to be more aware and to know it can happen anywhere, so stay alert. Great advice on running or ducking into an establishment. Nothing wrong with getting away.
I feel 1000% safer in the US than in eastern Europe. But I don't live in a big city. France has become terrifying. So violent, so much aggressiveness everywhere. Just returned from there and was so happy to be back in my US safe bubble.
I am sorry this happened to you Dave. I am glad you will be ok. If this had happened to you in Los Angeles, the other three guys running up to you would have been coming to get their piece!!
So sorry that this happened to you Dave. Take care! I appreciate that you were honest about your role in this confrontation and how you could have avoided it. I hope this was a one-off and it never happens to you again based on your newly acquired wisdom.
How awful, Dave. Thank goodness there were 3 helpful guys that chased them away. Please take care. After midnight is always a bit dodgy……Wherever you are. Thanks for the warning. Heal well ❤
I'm so sorry Dave for that bad experience and thank God for your life. I wish the law can stop this as it's unusual in Portugal as they say.Thanks for the advice and being open about it.🙏🇿🇦
This is so scary to hear as a woman, I try to be safe always but men like this are really terrible for everyone in the world- it makes me scared to think how they take advantage of people who have less physical strength to defend themselves … These men are just crazy
So sorry Dave. We have to be always careful, even in Portugal. I live in Porto for almost 57 years and never been mugged but i know this things can happen anytime and when we least expect.
I feel sad for what you've been through. My wife and I were in Porto over Christmas. It's a fantastic city with wonderful people. However, I acknowledge that unfortunate events can occur. Fortunately, we had nothing but positive experiences. Thank you very much for the advices on staying safe while traveling, whether domestically or internationally.
Portugal was never that country that you had to worry about walking alone. we don't need to change our habits, we need to stop the changes that lead to this.
So happy you are ok. Very unfortunate but like you said, it could happen anywhere. As someone considering the move it is not something I want to here but I'm not naive. It is really good to know that the locals are looking out for each other and understand that the average citizen moving there are trying to get away from that very thing and just want to be accepted in the country to live life to its fullest. THANKS FOR SHARING.
Experienced this in Barcelona too with the same eye injury. Ethnicity should have been mentioned. As experienced by you, the ones that attacked were not Spanish but came from another country. Immigration and asylum policies as well as more punitive law enforcement should be enabled in Europe
@@robban5545 Yes, because there were no pickpockets, dangerous neighborhoods, or assaults before immigration. Um, no. I have traveled extensively since the eighties, and I have always had to do my homework and follow certain basic rules of safety, especially in cities: know the wrong neighborhoods, avoid the wrong neighborhoods, learn how to protect my valuables in crowded tourist areas, avoid empty areas, don't stay out late. Just the rules of traveling, especially in cities. Always works. I talk to travelers all the time. Nothing's changed. You just need to know and follow the right rules. By the way, NYC was MORE dangerous in the eighties than now, with the immigration. The same is true for many European countries and cities. For example, Trump calls Mexicans rapists and murderers, but the statistics show they are no more likely to rape or murder than white people... I am not saying that multi-cultural communities are not more challenging to manage. They are. Different people have different behaviors, habits, customs, etc. It takes some effort to work through that. Wave after wave of immigration for centuries in the U.S. has shown. It doesn't matter whether the immigrants are Mexican. When they are Irish., German, Italian, Polish, etc., they were ALL problems. Not just brown and black people. They all had trouble getting jobs, They were all verbally and physically abused. They were all poor and tended to violence, too. They all resorted to crime. And eventually after many generations they assimilated. In the U.S., white people are now 41% percent of the population. That is challenging. I see European countries with like 3% immigrants who are whining incredibly and their right-wings are growing. All the problems are heaped on those 3%, even when the crime rates are the same. It's always the color of the skin. I'm not saying that immigration is never or not a problem. I am saying that whenever I dig down into the details, the statistics, the proof of huge problems caused specifically by immigrants is not always there. In a lot of cases, you have people focusing on specific events involving black people over and over, exaggerating them, and ignoring the crimes committed by others, crime that has always been there. Here in America, for example, white people commit ALL the mass shootings. ALL the serial killers are white. Tons of white people do drugs and drive the drug trade, which involves a number of different crimes. Rich people engage in all kinds of white collar crime, robbing others of tons of money, in many cases perfectly legally. The white crimes just don't get the same attention, just don't generate the same kind of focus, judgment, and anger. It's interesting.
Going to Porto in 2 weeks. So grateful to stumble across your page and the video of “what not to do in Portugal”. Bummer this happened to you, but also nice to see people come to your rescue.
Hey😢 Dave. Glad to hear you are ok. Thanks so much for posting. Portugal is an amazing place and yes Crime can happen anywhere at any time. Appreciate your honesty and you have probably saved a few people just by posting this video. It takes courage and I for one very much appreciate your honesty. Stay safe.
Hi Dave, What a terrible thing to happen, to you or to anyone. I appreciate that you have shared your experience with us. Although Portugal is ranked as a very safe country, this kind of violence can happen anywhere and at any time. I'm happy to hear that you are alright and that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. And it's a good lesson for all of us to be careful, no matter where we are. Thankfully the other guys showed up when they did. Take care, Dave! David
I think you are right about the retirement assessment. Although the tax laws are apparently changing. Apparently the law has passed, but there is some small chance that it might not be implemented. So I hear. Without it, taxes could be high, even for retirees. Look into that.
Sad to hear about what happen to you! I enjoy listen to your views about my country... I like the fact that you point out the good and the bad aspects... No place is perfect. I am a Portuguese expat & I am planning to come back...love my Country and the moment my heart his full of SAUDADE... Thank you for respecting and embracing our culture and also for contributing to its social environment. David I think your soul is Portuguese...Get better and all the best
Take care Dave, we share your love for Portugal but incidents like this make you think. Please keep sharing the video's and visit the Douro and Tras-os-montes area sometime.
it´s a major portuguese city like any other major city in the world is more problematic than smaller ones, theres bad people everywhere utopic doesn´t exist, also we are a having a influx of people so they probably think they can be rich here but for european standards we are poor.
So sorry to hear this. It can happen anywhere and not just traveling. I was mugged here in Nashville, where I live. I was a woman alone, walking to my car after dark (10:30 ish), and was in a dark area of a parking lot. The guy had a gun and grabbed my arm. I had bruises for a week. I thought I was used to being situationally aware, but this did ramp up my vigilance.
So sorry to hear that. Yup, it's a problem pretty much everywhere. You want to go around with others at night, to popular, well-lit places. Thanks for the story. It lets people know: it's not just Porto.
If you can, if you’re walking from a store or office after dark, have someone there from the staff walk you to the car if possible. Ashamed this has to be done in the United States.
![ARGENTINA vs. PERÚ [1-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 12](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xtI25ENDDSY/mqdefault.jpg)
As you said the muggers weren't Portuguese but how amazing that people came running to your aid. That really says so much about the countrty and its people. So I leave this video with more appreciation for Portugal not less.
Me too.
@@viajarporaipelomundo8509 New Portuguese lol
@@viajarporaipelomundo8509 , Ele diz que não eram portugueses ( e que fossem, existem ladrões em todo lado), mas os senhores insistem q eram Pts. Pq?? Estavam lá, assistiram???
Sorry to hear this Dave. I hope you reported them to the Police. Take care and make sure you are with others at that time. 😊
True. These days, especially in the US, everyone will record it and do nothing!
Recovery note: As someone who has taken multiple face punches in an event, you need to get you nose straightened asap. i waited too long and they were only able to fix it a little bit (surgery) and now my only recourse is having it rebroken/bigger surgery. Please see an ENT. And yes, every place, late at night, can be dangerous. Please take care.
Great advice.
Had the same and left it too long so ended up with general anaesthetic and a full sub-mucous resection - SMR. 🙊
great advice! and i'm very sorry for you and hope you are somewhere safe surrounded by people who will get as upset as I got when I read this and do something about it!
I come from Canada considered a "safe place". I will never forget my Dad's admonition "nothing good happens after midnight" What it really means is that you need to be more careful when less people are about. 8:48 8:48
I am Portuguese and I hate hearing about this kind of situations but it's good that u show people that even if are in a safe country you need to be aware of everything. Be save
wouldn't exactly call portugal safe... better than some countries, but far worse than real safe countries
@@LiLBitsDK Portugal é 7 país mais seguro do mundo até 3 anos atrás era 3.quais são esses países realmente seguros que você diz ?
@@musa-too hahahahaha you think a corrupt goverment gives the right numbers? for feck sake the police don't even write a report in many cases and nothing ever happens when you contact the police unless you grease the right ppl
@@LiLBitsDK Are you kidding? there are like 6 countries more safe than Portugal. Are you from one of those?
@@anaritacoelho6689that someone "claim" it is a safe country doesn't mean it IS... and yes I am from Denmark, #2 on the list... plenty drugs in the cities with included nasty ppl and you have a high chance of losting your stuff at home if you dare leave your house and the police is useless
If this ever happens, get into the first bar/restaurant/shop you can find, the owners will never allow any aggression inside and they will call the police for you. So sorry this happened to you, Dave.
I saw fight inside a McDonald’s in a train station in Germany and the police came almost immediately to get the two men and they were still trying to fight and get at each other!!!
@@enjoystraveling That's in Germany, a totally different country. I can't really see that happening in Lisbon, but what do I know? Not long ago we had a fully naked totally drunk man trying to hug the policemen and trying to get INTO a police car... 🤣
@@cilajoao1 yes I know Germany is a different country than Portugal, I’ve been to both.
I just mentioned Germany because he was talking about McDonald’s so it reminded me of the incident since I had happened to be eating at a McDonald’s when this huge fight broke out
@@enjoystraveling Such a strange experience that must have been... how can they not stop fighting with families and kids around? Some people just have zero sense.
My wifes purse was snatched in a restaurant in Porto
As a black guy, I don't feel safe from these thugs either. Law and order should be maintained!
I really appreciate the articulate and even-handed way you present the content of your videos. As someone who is Portuguese but has lived in the US most of my adult life, it is gratifying that you have embraced Portuguese culture and the overall goodness that the country and its people have to offer. There is good and bad in every livable place on the planet, but it is telling that a stranger came up to you and apologized for what happened to you and told you that is not how we Portuguese are, and that three individuals actually came to your assistance. Sadly, here in the US they would have stood there with their cell phones and shot video of it all for some online likes without lifting a finger.
I’m Portuguese, living in the states, and of course, it bums me out to hear the story, Dave. I really appreciate how fair and open you were about the experience, and also not trying to exacerbate any tensions amongst different groups. I continue to hope that the authorities in Portugal are able to maintain order, as our beautiful little country becomes more popular as is the trend over the last couple of years. Stay safe wherever you are in the world.
It certainly is, tao bonito! I wish I had discovered it years ago in 1986 when my 2nd cousin married into The Tavares family that immigrated here. The parents became the finest tailors in the whole state!! 🙂 I also have not studied the political environment in Portugal so many years ago. There must have been some strife that urged them to leave 😐
Yes. Let's ignore the Elephant in the room!
He wasn't open! He didn't tell us the Race of the people who did it! I have been to Portugal many times, all the guys selling drugs are illegal Africans! Not Portuguese!
@@kingquinn3897 All crowded cities are like this, especially in quiet areas, especially at night. There are unsafe areas, there are unsafe times. And then there are pickpockets even in crowded, safe areas in the middle of the day. It always requires going to the right places at the right times, and knowing how to protect your valuables. I have traveled a lot in the US and Europe since the eighties, and it has always been like this. Some are better than others, but pretty none are immune. Yes, the poorer neighborhoods tend to be the less safe ones. These can be white, brown, or black neighborhoods. It is gernerally not a matter of race or ethnicity but rather a socioeconomic issue. These communities tend to be more antagonistic toward people with money, more aggressive and violent, and more likely to mug and take your money. Such a person is just as likely to harass a person of their own race or ethnicity if they have entered the wrong territory. It has been like that my entire life. If you go to any travel website, they will give you the same pieces of advice for traveling to metropolitan areas.
I'm Portuguese and am so sorry to hear what happen to you. I hope you are healing well. When I was growing up we used to go shopping and leave the doors unlocked and the windows open. We cannot do that anymore!
I’m really sorry for you Dave 😣. Our country is falling apart due to uncontrolled and ilegal migrantes. Keep strong and showing us how much good things and people Portugal has to offer. 💪
So people keep flooding lol? That's the only downside. Maybe people should do the research and find better places on their own as opposed to tons of youtubers spilling the beans ya know.
I guess you know now how the native americans felt when you arrived.
@@FG-bu3jp 100% r€¥@rd, that’s what you are!
@@FG-bu3jp Seriously? What fault does this person have for what morons did 500 years ago? are you retarded?
I am from Portugal it breaks my heart that this happened to you. Please remember that most Portuguese people are not this way.
It wasn’t a portuguese
Native Portuguese are good people but the immigrants that come here are a different story.
The thing is, nowadays everyone is “portuguese”
@@bookinsights1092 same problem all over europe , we all need to find a solution before it's too late
Really sorry this happened to you, and I'm glad those three guys came to your rescue at the right time. Stay safe!
See, I'm not that sorry that this happened to him. In fact, I think had it comin. Homeboy was drunk out late in front of the McDonald's he 'hates' so much it's in 2 videos and he's punched there. But not because he was too pure for these immigrant 'illicit' (cuz which arent?) drugs. It was because he is already such a punchable guy! no? Am i the only one? Plus he turned around and aggressed on em. Dummmmmmb. And the filter he put on the video is like a lifetime movie. Do stay safe- at home. In America. Forever.
As portuguese and as a long time follower of your great content, It's heartbroken to hear that you had such a sad episode during your stay here in Porto.
I'm from the city and I walk around it daily from early in the morning until late at night and I can assure that even though things are WAY better comparing to decades ago, It's also getting worse having in mind the last 5 years.
Unfortunately the security is going downhill thanks to the lack of policies related to the uncontrolled immigration coming to Portugal without any major prior criminal check-ups.
I really hope you get better Dave,
Stay safe!
I have never seen more broken car windows than in Porto. I stayed there for 48h and saw like 2 or 3. It was insane. Clearly robbed.
If you look something like your pfp then no, youre not portuguese.
@BillGaytes All leftists !
There are unsafe areas and times and conditions (empty streets) in most cities. If crime in Proto/Portugal is still below what it was in the past, when immigration was lower, how can it be related solely to immigration? It can't. They say this in the U.S., too, but the statistics never prove that. States with more guns, which tend to be very white, have way more gun injuries and deaths than the ones with fewer guns and more minorities. Trump, for example, calls Mexicans rapists and murderers, even though the rate of rape and murder is no higher than that among white people. Some of these perceptions and judgments are based on people focusing on certain incidences, discussing them endlessly, exaggerating them, and not knowing the statistics, and when they hear the statistics, they refuse to believe them, and they continue to focus on the stories, some of which are just rumors and conspiracy theories. That's a big problem here in the U.S. Again, there are safe and unsafe areas. The unsafe areas tend to be poor neighborhoods, regardless of the race or ethnicity. If the neighborhood is poor, it has a greater chance of being unsafe. Especially at night. Be safe.
Another thing, in a lot of these Europen countries where right-wing, anti-immigrant groups are growing, I check the statistics and they generally have few actual immigrants; they continue to be predominantly native. And the crime statistics tend not to be that different. It seems that the problems that exist, however, are blamed on certain immigrants... I know Portugal has had a lot of immigration in recent years, but I thought most of that was digital nomads and retirees, mostly white, because the attractive visas and tax benefits?
As for not checking the criminal records of immigrants, yes, you are right, that is going to increase problems. That is bad policy. Funny, because everywhere I look (I am considering retiring abroad), I see a requirement to reveal your criminal history, if you have one. I am surprised Portugal did not adopt this policy, especially when they changed the visa and tax laws to encourage people to immigrate. Hope they change it soon.
@@izzytoons not every immigrant is bad, but they are not all good. there are bad seeds everywhere. Also, before you start commenting something you don't understand, please leave you liberal shoes in front of the door. there are tons of bad things happened in US that have absolutely nothing to do with Trump, but with Biden policy. You might be for open boarder, but in reality is a VERY bad policy/idea.
I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m glad the other guys came to help you. I’ve been watching your videos in preparation for our visit as we’re leaving for Portugal in a couple of weeks for three weeks and this is a reminder to not let our guard down. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Ditto for me. My wife and I are going to Portugal in May for three weeks. I won't let my guard down either. My big fear is that I'm bringing a camera bag (backpack) with camera gear and I know it will make me a target.
@@ericwilcox2442 your biggest concern in places like Lisbon and Porto isn't going to be a backpack. Be mindful of your wallet because, sadly pickpockets are the biggest scourge in these cities.
The same rules apply in any major city. Do your research and ask people and identify what areas are safe and stay in them. Stay where other people are, though be careful of pickpockets in those places. Learn how to protect your wallet, smart phone, etc. At night, go and stay where there are other people. If you do drink a lot, walk home in a gang of adults on main streets or get a cab or Uber home, especially if the streets are empty. Call for the car when you are inside with other people, go out when the car arrives. Don't stay out late. I'd say no later than ten. These are just basic rules. I've followed them since the eighties, all over the U.S. and Europe, and I've never come close to a problem. If you follow them, you should be fine and have a great time!
Bromano! Ugh this made my heart hurt for you, for Porto and Portugal. I live here in Gaia (by Jardim do Morro) and walk through Aliados and past that McDonalds every week many times...including late at night. Thank you for sharing this incident with us. As someone who has lived here for 1.5 years now (from the USA) I have felt immensely safe here. In fact it took me a long time to realize just how safe I am compared to the USA. I really resonated with what you said about having lived in big cities. I lived in NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego and have a certain sense of "street smarts" that perhaps gives me too much confidence here in Porto. Duly noted. For the record, before I came here I found some of your videos on YT and they helped me so much. Little did I know that Portugal would become my home. I am so happy here and wouldn't trade it for anything. That said, I will be walking through Aliados to Cedofeita area tonight and will have you sitting on my shoulder reminding me to keep my NYC street smarts alive. :-)
Hey Dave, I'm sorry to hear something like this happened to you.
I'm Brazilian and I moved to Porto recently, looking for a safer place to live and very well guided and inspired by your videos.
My wife and I were walking around this side of the Porto at late hours and we were very low guard compared to Brazil due to the security that Portugal transmits.
We saw a similar situation happening with an elderly couple, but instead of selling drugs he was asking for money very aggressively and following them, but they were fine because they went into a bar, which we did the same.
Which was a good reminder to keep our guard up at late hours even here.
I wish you a good recovery and don't stop enjoying Portugal due to an event like this.
I hope one day to bump into you in Porto and share a bottle of wine to thank you for the excellent content you provide here o/
vai voltar pro br?
Even better to avoid empty places late at night. In fact, don't stay out late at night in any city.
I'm so sorry about this Dave, please dont forget to put ice on it, very important!!!
Thanks for sharing this video, i'm going to be aware when i am travelling because i will recall this video.
Thank you 🙏🏻 Lots of ice! Just important to keep your wits everywhere these days
Now you know it David - you need to buy ice - they will not charge you too much for the ice. But free - it will not be.
Hi Dave . So sorry this happened to you . 🤥 We moved to Portugal over 3 years ago from London and first visited Lisbon . And we had the same problem with the " selling drugs thing "" but I am Scottish and have a very aggressive accent and they backed away , I also ware glasses 😂. They did not bother us the next day . But I have to agree with you that this is a rare thing here . We feel very safe here ( Algarve ) in Silves and I am a much better person for living here . The local Portuguese people are so kind . I am and will be forever grateful . Love the youtube videos . 😁
I am so sorry to hear this Dave...sending hugs - I appreciate you for your openess and wish you a swift recovery
I'm really sorry this happened to you. My partner and I were in Lisbon in May 2023 (ironically as a "scouting trip" because we were thinking about moving there) and had a very similar scenario happen to us. Someone asked us if we wanted to buy off them, we said no politely, and they kept following us and some of their friends joined. This was at like 3PM in the day. We quickly walked away and went into a cafe to wait it out. It was very scary and reason enough for me to write off Lisbon as a place to live because I was genuinely afraid to go outside by myself. We ended up moving to Malaga, Spain.
Glad you weren't seriously injured. But a good warning against complacency - there's a big difference between being one of the safer countries in the world and being completely safe.
western europe is not safe at all anymore
Tell me one country these days where you can walk after midnight - as a tourist - drunk and aggressive - without running into trouble. It is not if but when.
Porto is my favourite city. The mugging sucks but the warmth and care of the local and international Portuguese community is superb and exactly what I remember. I’ll
be back at the end of May on vacation. Great catching up on your videos Dave.
Hi Dave! Porto is my hometown and where I live. I’m really sorry to hear about what happened to you 😢 I’ve been seeing those kind of aggressive behaviors from non-Portuguese individuals and it makes me really sad that they’re ruining our peaceful city and country. Hope you feel better!
Isto ainda é só o começo, a imigração (composta por uma grande maioria de homens do terceiro mundo) está completamente descontrolada e nem sequer verificam os antecedentes criminais. Ou o Chega tem já uma grande votação ou então depois já vai ser tarde para corrigir a porcaria que fizeram.
Jota -
Esses tipos vêm de onde ?...
Roménia ... ou fora da Europa ?...
@@gracasilver8574Brasil, África e sub-continente Indiano
You are beautiful. @88PJota
Angola é Nossa @@AleaRandomAm
I feel sorry this happened to you. Your videos have been useful in preparing ourselves for upcoming travel. It sounds like you carried yourself well, and the clarity and tone of your recounting of the story shows it. I hope you recovered well from it, and keep making great content.
Sorry to hear what happened to you, Dave! Be cautious and be safe!
thank you for making the video, I am glad you are safe.
Sorry this happened to you and thanks for the reminder. I just left Porto but still traveling in Portugal. I feel very safe here but I do need to remember to be aware of my surroundings, not just here but anywhere (if I am traveling or back at home). Glad the 3 nice people came to your rescue!
From a wonderful and peaceful country it’s becoming lawless since the so called “refugees” invaded my beloved Country. Who’s responsible for this? Well, European Union and the dishonest Portuguese politicians who just want to lineup their pockets. Our national anthem starts something like this: Heroes of the sea, noble people, valiant nation, immortal…” well, I rest my case. Every time a foreigner visits my country I want them to feel at home; I want even the weather to be pleasant so they can enjoy. I’d like to wish you a speedy recovery. Have a good day.
I appreciate your transparency and hope you will be okay. Be safe! 🥰
I'm a venezuelan living in Porto for the past 6 years. Very close to city center. I OFTEN go out at nights, close to midnight for a walk or a run and I've never felt safer. I'm totally aware that you can get in these kind of situations literally ANYWHERE in the world, even in the most developed countries, but I can assure anyone reading this that Porto is the place where I've felt the safest and what happened to Dave was isolated.
I've dealt with these drug dealers offering things and they've never insisted after my first "no".
I have never seen more broken car windows than in Porto. I stayed there for 48h and saw like 2 or 3. It was insane. Clearly robbed.
Depois dizem
Que a culpa dos roubos e crime vem com a imigração. Sabemos que temos vários xenófobos em Portugal. Viva ao povo da Venezuela 🇻🇪
@@kastrelo I was referring to the city of Porto in the northern of Portugal. I've seen 2 or 3 car windows broken in 6 years in total here.
Portugal streets were much safer 15 years ago, you entered in our country in the moment our government stop caring who entered in it.
@@christiandasilva9435estuve en Oporto en Portugal hace justo un año y vi 2 coches a los que les habían robado las pertenencias tras romperles los vidrios con una piedra. 2 lunas rotas en 2 coches distintos en menos de 48h.
I read an almost identical story in a Reddit thread recently, but it happened in Lisboa and the person was robbed of hundreds of euros from people trying to sell them “drugs.” Be safe out there. One of the reasons I moved from LA to Portugal was to feel safer, but we must be alert everywhere. So sorry this happened to you, Dave.
I heard this story, too. Then a few nights ago I was walking near Pink Street (hell hole) and some dude was badgering me about trying his free cocaine. I said your cocaine is fake. He then proceeded to get quite aggressive and follow me down the street for a minute or so. Probably not the wisest move on my part.
Since Portugal has faced lot of imigration its not the same. We all want it to change thats why CHEGA must win elections
@@ForeignNumber Pink Street is a hellhole? I guess my time spent there gave a different impression.
@@BigSmall-l4g Immigration is a good thing. If you bring up anecdotes or statistics that show rising crime of whatever you're just a racist to be ignored. If the entirety of Africa comes to Portugal, that's a good thing, only racists would disagree.
@@lynxcato3327 ? Im not racist. Crime has been rising and they arent portuguese. You clearly didnt go to school boy. Go on , there is still time and hope for you
As a Portuguese man living in the USA I extend my apologies for what happened to you Dave.
Portugal has let in too many people some of whom suck…..no skills….except robbery etc.etc.
Too bad…
That is why CHEGA is growing so fast in Portugal.
@@bookinsights1092 as it should.
@@bookinsights1092 Unfortunately, groups like CHEGA are not entirely honest when blaming problems on immigrants, nor do they only address immigration problems. They bring a lot of other bad policies with them, such as sexism, favoring the rich, and reducing important social programs, just to name a few. By the way, I guarantee there are Portuguese people selling drugs, and not necessarily being pleasant about it.
same problem in all Europe , all citizens have to change this before it's too late
So have most other countries too. Let's not trying to paint an ideological picutre about the way the world should be. It is not.
Great video Dave. The gentleman who said ‘this is not Portugal’ is 100% right. It’s awful to think but there are rotten people out there who see someone out alone at night as an easy target. And your point about what’s happening across Europe right now cannot go unsaid in this context. Thanks for your honesty. Porto remains my favourite city in the world. I can’t wait to return. ❤
wrong, now it is.. too many immigrantes from 3rd world countries
Glad you posted this video Dave! It's important to share awareness in other countries! Hope you feel better soon!!!
thank you for sharing man and hope you've recovered well in all aspects. sorry this happened to you - not fun at all having your space invaded at any time but especially on a trip when you're looking to release tension.
Wow...your opening scene is on Rua das Flores in front of the hotel I stayed at...what a beautiful street. I was saying, oh no, I walked there every night on my way somewhere. The lights, the outdoor music, the restaurants, and general sense of being alive, and all that was happening in off season in February last year. I met up with my guide to the Douro River Valley in front of that same MacDonald's. I'm a female solo traveler and I won't let that dissuade me but your honesty reinforces the reality that no one should be too careful. The world is rapidly changing. See Portugal for its beauty and history and the Portuguese people are amazingly kind and welcoming. Just remain aware, take in the beauty, and keep on traveling. Thank you, Dave. I'm happy you came out of this okay.
When I was a child, I spent 7 weeks every summer near Lisbon and one day lots of children (from a big family clan) came to my sister and me on the beach and some of the children distracted us with questions while the others searched for money in our rucksacks. A Portuguese man at a beach bar observed this behaviour and came to our aid - thank God.
They were no doubt Roma/Gypsy s. They're a pain in a** all over Europe especially France. By what you describe.
And yes, they're very organized and they often work out of a big Mercedes van.
@@marccano5061 that was my guess immediately also.... also because big family with lots of children is very unusual among Portuguese, unless from Roma/Gypsys origin... the big white van is also very typical of them. Glad that the man intervened. When people stop intervening, and caring, and acting to help (if possible), there goes our last spark of humanity :(
Oh Dave, what a cool video, so honest. I'm sorry about what happened to you. I'm from Brazil and, when we came here, we had an incredible feeling of security, but bad things can happen even here, one of the safest countries in the world. That's why we always have to be attentive. Thanks and of course, you gained another subscriber
Thank you for making this video. I’m an Aussie living in Portugal for several years. I have never had an issue but been offered “oregano” many times. You handled your experience very well and as you said it’s all about situational awareness. Hope your future journeys are trouble free.
So sorry Dave. I'm very grateful 🙏 for the heros that came to your rescue. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I really love your channel, take good care ❤
Thank you Debra 🙏🏻
@@daveinportugal hey! You're very welcome, nice to hear from you Dave
Dave, can you file an assault report at the police station? I think stepping up and reporting this will be a legal statement in case others have also been assaulted, etc....or in case you have something else happen. I think it's better to report things like this to the authorities so they're aware too. These thugs need to be arrested or given fines and night in jail or something to be accountable for what they did to you.
@@daveinportugal were they Africans? Pakistani?
Sorry to hear you experienced this in my homeland, brother. I hope you recover soon and keep up the great work and motivation!
I will be visiting Porto soon, in March, with my too young daughters. It's a shame to hear what happened to you. I will be carefull. But I wont defenitily be out at that time after 10pm. Take care Dave and keep enjoying Portugal! And please dont go alone after 12 o'clock.
The other thing is learn the precautions for protecting your wallet, smart phone, and other valuables. Pickpocketing happens in broad daylight, in crowded public areas, by white people, even women... perhaps exactly what you wouldn't expect. Protect your valuables, keep track of what's going on around you, people brushing up against you, etc. At night, try to walk in groups, only in well lit areas, preferably where other people are, in safe areas. (And learn where unsafe areas are.) If you can't travel under these conditions, call cab while you are inside with other people. This is true for pretty much any big city. Not just NYC, Chicago, SF, LA, etc. But London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Barcelona... wherever. I've been traveling since 1984, and it's always been this way. Well before the immigrants...
I`m Portuguese, I live in Porto and I`m mad someone would do that to you. I`m so so sorry this happened to you, keep safe Dave. Also subscribed is the least I can do.
That's my hometown. I'm sorry this happened, Dave. We are a peaceful country but crime does exist. To all foreigners, be very vigilant in tourist areas especially, everywhere else is usually safe. Glad to hear that even though you were mugged by another foreigner, some locals came to help you out! Hope you make a full recovery soon❤
Sorry that happened to you, Dave. Thank you for making the video. Good info to have.
Congratulations! Welcome to the club.
Was mugged in Seville, Coimbra and Lisbon. Had a friend jumped and beaten up in Bairro Alto, Lisbon, the same night I told him to be careful in Bairro Alto. He didn't listen.
It's important to mention who did the mugging, because certain modern sensitivities will shame your spidey sense for being racist when all it is is good sense.
In Seville, I was mugged by three Jitanos on a scooter. In Coimbra, it was two Siganos right in front of the Sé Velha. I had met one of them in a bar earlier and had a rather pleasant conversation. Short while later, same guy had a gun in my face.
In Lisbon, in deepest darkest Bairro Alto, it was a white and black dynamic duo, with another gun in my face.
Never got a black eye or bloody nose, though. Just threw my money at them and managed to talk my way out of a beating.
When you travel, don't be drunk and alone after midnight. Doing that puts a big fat target on your back.
As for Portugal being safe...it is. Lisbon and Porto were more dangerous 20 or so years ago. However, just today, watched a report on how muggings have spiked in the Anjos bairro of Lisbon, where I lived for several years. Migrants have moved in and set up tent colonies, and now crime has returned to the streets of Lisbon.
It is what it is, folks. Be careful out there, and hopefully this isn't an omen of bad things to come in Portugal 🇵🇹 with regards to street crime.
Totally agree, people need to know who did it. Enough with that fear propaganda of being called a "racist". Worse racism in Western Europe today is against white people.
Totally agree a lot of it is culture and how you are brought up, if you have to fight to survive then that's all they know and that's what they will do, it's not racist it's culture and upbringing. The solution as always is to crush corruption but most politicians are too corrupt to do that even in western countries
Geez you have either got very bad luck or are very trusting 😂
Are many of these muggings committed by immigrants?
I am sorry Dave for what happened to you , but today with the globalist agenda ,the WEF ,the EU and North America
people need to wake up : open borders need to be closed . The globalists agenda is: no borders no passports
required, the western world needs to wake up. I am Portuguese I live in Canada , the same thing is happening here
especially in Toronto or any major city . This open border policy must end ,before our way of life is totally destroyed
Our politicians need to be accountable ,before it's too late . I have been following what is happening in the EU ,they
are being puppets of the globalists and the WEF , they better stand up to corruption and disorder if they don't want
to lose their Law and order peaceful countries .God Bless our western way of life .We need to defend it .
Hi Dave, I'm so glad you are ok! Kudos to those guys who came to your aid. Where I live, I think people would run in the other direction.
I hate that happened to you, Dave. Glad to hear you're okay and taking it all in stride. Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts in an honest and balanced way.
Thank you for posting. It is a great reminder to pay attention, no matter where you are.
Yup. For example, the pickpocketing tends to happen in broad daylight, in crowded (not deserted) areas, by white people, even women. Totally unsuspecting circumstances. You just have to learn how to protect your valuables.
Hello Dave, thank you for the video & sorry to hear this has happened to you. We are frequent travellers to Europe & try to be vigilant wherever we go. We actually got mugged in Paris a few years back. We were in a restaurant & I had my partners bag hanging from the back of my chair. An hour into our session she asked for her bag & that’s when I noticed that it was gone. Everything was in that bag (except her passport) & as mentioned, this happened inside the restaurant. Anyhow, still need to visit Portugal. Big cheers from Melbourne 🍷…
Yup. Classic scenario.
Hey, Dave! Unfortunately, I also met drugsellers at Porto, though the situations in which they tried to sell drugs weren't that bad. Hope you recover soon, and best of luck in dealing with these people!
Hope to see more of your videos.
Sorry to hear about your run in bud. Same thing happened to me, only in Calgary in Canada. Some tweeker thought I was pointing at him and just randomly wacked me in the face. I was with other people, so we just moved on. Anyway, stay safe, heal up and have a shot on us!
I'm truly sorry to hear about your experience. I had a comparable situation in Porto towards the end of January 2023, near the location you've pointed out. Please take good care of yourself, and I hope you've filed a report to assist in raising awareness among the Portuguese that things are changing.
Sorry to hear about this. I'm hoping to retire there in a few years with my wife. She has family about an hour from Porto, I've been there many times and never felt being in any danger. Then again I haven't been out alone at midnight with a good alcohol buzz. Thanks for sharing, Hopefully you're feeling better. Lesson here is "Don't let your guard down anywhere."
Dave I’m so sorry you had this experience and I sincerely hope it does not deeply color your whole Living in Portugal experience. I was pick pocketed in Lisbon 16 months ago - due primarily to my own stupidity, and it was a nightmare replacing my cards, etc. but I learned my lesson ( $$$$) and did not let it affect the rest of my trip. I found my 2 weeks in Porto to be some of the best experiences of my life and the people were remarkably kind and helpful to us naive American tourists. I am looking forward to returning and I wish you the best in your life there.
Hey Dave. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I feel ashamed that my country was the location for this altercation.
I hope you’re alright and this will never happens to you again.
I’m in the process of moving permanently to Portugal from Canada in April and would love to meet you and have an Imperial with you.
I have a place in Boliqueime and if you ever happen to be down south, I hope we can meet face to face.
Take care Dave
hope you're not moving to Vancouver. Its a craphole. Best to stick to a 1st class city like Montreal or Toronto
Aww, Dave, that really sucks and I’m so sorry that happened to you! My wife and I recently visited Lisbon & Porto for our 30th anniversary and my 55th birthday and I credit you and your videos for having a huge part in making it an absolutely amazing trip. I did as you said, I think we left Portugal a little better than we found it. Can’t say the same for your attackers, but the kindness of the guys who came to your aid is exactly the kind of thing I would have expected from the locals. If anything, your video has given me more faith in humanity and just love Portugal that much more. Take care of that shiner and your nose and keep bringing that joy to the rest of us living vicariously through you!!
I am Portuguese living in London. I am so sorry Dave you experienced that. Even though Portugal is consider as a save country time to time we hear stories like that. One of the things I always heard when living in Portugal was if we go out at night to make sure we don’t walk around on the streets alone late at night specially if we have been drinking. it’s always sad to hear this stories, I my self experienced a similar situation when visiting Lisbon with people trying to sell you drugs. I got so irritated with one of them because it seemed he was following us. My husband isn’t Portuguese, and the guy selling the drugs always spoke in English to my husband never to me. Even after my husband saying several times no to him, he kept asking the same question and followed us in a very busy street near to the Chiado in Lisbon in day light. I got so irritated at him that I gave him a good shout down in a good Portuguese way (if you know what I mean) that he stopped straight away. I don’t know if was because it is a very busy street in day light, or because I am a woman or it was the fact I spoke Portuguese to him and made him stop. Thanks God nothing happened to my husband or to me that day. I actually feel ashamed of that part of Portugal with people selling drugs on the streets. I think the government should tackle that more. Also, many of those people are selling fake drugs, it’s just another way of stilling people. I also feel like they go more for the tourists because is more likely for them not to know the local laws wether the natives will know better what to do, who to contact and so on. With that said, and as you mentioned in your video these things can happen anywhere in the world. I live in London now and here walking on the streets at night alone after 9 is a no no. Always make sure you get a ride home. Be save!
Well, safety always goes down the drain because of certain groups of people migrating to those countries. People know what these groups look like but never say it out loud because they always are cowardly and fearful of being labeled as you know what.
Portugal is not a safe place because of illegal immigration from violent countries! Poland and Hungary are safe!
Oh, no! 😢. That’s terrible, and sad to hear. Glad that some people came running to your aid. Speedy recovery! ❤️🩹
I live in Porto, this is terrible! I'm so sorry for you.
I really love your incredibly balanced perspective and your effort to be fair in the face of what was undoubtedly a very scary situation. I'm sorry you had to go through this, but I appreciate you sharing your story and NOT making it about the "ethnicity" of your attackers. Best wishes to you and I hope you are recovering well from your physical and psychological wounds.
Rome, Verona, London, and Cabo San Lucas Mexico are places I have experienced negative treatment, thankfully I have not been hit. It is scary and can happen anywhere and it seems places frequented by tourists are the worst. Glad that you are recovering, please take care and stay aware as an expat in Portugal.🇵🇹🇺🇸
Damn, sorry that happened. Glad the others came to your aid. That says something about Portugal, too. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Alex
Sorry this happened to you Dave and thanks for posting this sobering advice.
Dave, what a scary life lesson! Keep vigilant, but at the same time, don't let this incident affect your confidence to explore and enjoy your surroundings!
I’m so sorry you had this experience, Dave, but grateful for the PSA. A reminder to us all when traveling to maintain our spidey sense.
Como portuguesa tenho vergonha do que aconteceu consigo. Mas este tipo de situações estão a crescer por cá. 🥰🇵🇹
Very brave for sharing this Dave, sorry hear this happened to you mate
Thanks for sharing this useful and informative video. Hope you stay safe and thanks for your honesty and objectivity. Your first point is key. Midnight, Walking Alone, Deserted Area, with a drink too many. All the Best and get well soon.
Thanks for this open and honest video, stay safe and be careful…
Uau, what can I say Dave😢 sorry this happened in my country 😢. Thanks for the awareness video. Hope you are recovering nicely .❤❤❤
Sorry to hear about this Dave, hope you rest and heal up soon..
We were in Porto in mid October and also Lisboa , Guimarães, Coimbra, and Evora. Then we went onwards along the coast to Sagres and then to Albufeira .. we didn't run into any trouble there.. we continued through Spain for the month of November and also had no issues.
Sorry to hear that this happened to you Dave! I've been living in Porto for 6 months now and haven't experienced anything like this, but as you said, this could happen anywhere in the world. I hope that shiner and nose heals up soon! 💪🏼
Hi Dave so sorry to hear about your experience and thank you for your honesty, and lovely way you speak about my country like you say this could have happened anywhere but it's always such a shock when it happens i hope your eye recovers soon. Many years ago that Mc Donalds building was a fantastic restaurant called " Imperial " i have many fond memories growing up and going there for lunch with my family and always admiring the large Eagle above the doorway. Looking forward to watching more of your videos thank you sooo much i really appreciate them as i'm sure i speak for all your subcribers😊
Sorry that happened to you Dave! Glad you're OK!
According to the Eurostat (The statistical office of the European Union) in 2022 there was 3 member states with a robbery rate higher than 100 per 100 000 people.
They were 1st Belgium , 2nd Spain and 3rd Portugal.
Portugal was safe but no longer is , Portugal has it's own bad citizens like any country but is receiving immigrants from countries that have an higher homicide rate by itself than the homicide rate , the number of people killed in terrorist attacks and the number of people killed in civil war put together in countries like Syria , Iraq , Afghanistan and many others.
If I name the nationality of the immigrants that are causing the huge increase of criminality in Portugal I'm immediately accused of being a racist , they become the victims of my racism and their victims are blamed for being robbed , assaulted or killed on their way to work or during a night out.
@terra7066 unfortunantely socialism is destroing Portugal, they approve uncontrolled imigration, and this is the worst thing they could do. Did you know that everyday 100 people from indostan are arriving to Porto? Having Said that, you can imagine what is going on now, and you can imagine the future!!!! We are going to have elections on Match 10 th, if the socialism wins again, this country will never be Portugal again, and not even Europe...very sad😢😊😊😢
Concordo. I agree!
Portugal is still extremely safe as long as you don't risk around at night in the big touristic cities. It's still considered the 7th safest country in the world.
@@elisabetefontes4334yes you right! Because we are the door to Europe. We let everyone in, regarding the backgroung. 🫤
I love how people comment with zero regards to facts. Nothing in this thread makes sense.
This lady saying that socialism is killing the country, we don't have socialism in Portugal, so that's lie number 1. Only someone who is completely alienated from polítics says we have socialism here.
The owner of the comment says Portugal isn't safe anymore, and in 2023 we raked the 7th safest country in the world.
Basically people are now product of the society of the spectacle. Click baits, and titles without reading the whole thing.
Portugal is a safe country, and still one of the safest countries in the world.
You write this and you miss the most important part of the video where the guy says locals told him that it was different 20 years ago and much worse.
I'm a local, and I remember no one even daring to walk downtown at night , not even in small groups.
So lick you your dogmatic speeches elsewhere.
I am sad to hear it happened to you ( And you did so cool to make this video to keep other people to be aware. I wish you only good luck!
Success is the best revenge, You have made a good video from the incident. Kudos! Your video of Porto led me to go there for a lovely time.
Thank you for making this brave video. It will certainly help many travelers to be more aware and to know it can happen anywhere, so stay alert. Great advice on running or ducking into an establishment. Nothing wrong with getting away.
I’m so sorry. I was just there and felt 1000% more safe there than here in the States. I’m glad you didn’t get hurt worse
I feel 1000% safer in the US than in eastern Europe. But I don't live in a big city. France has become terrifying. So violent, so much aggressiveness everywhere. Just returned from there and was so happy to be back in my US safe bubble.
You are taking this quite well, it is great to get this information out. Sometimes we need a dose of reality to wake up. Thanks for sharing this.
I am sorry this happened to you Dave. I am glad you will be ok. If this had happened to you in Los Angeles, the other three guys running up to you would have been coming to get their piece!!
So sorry that this happened to you Dave. Take care! I appreciate that you were honest about your role in this confrontation and how you could have avoided it. I hope this was a one-off and it never happens to you again based on your newly acquired wisdom.
How awful, Dave. Thank goodness there were 3 helpful guys that chased them away. Please take care. After midnight is always a bit dodgy……Wherever you are. Thanks for the warning. Heal well ❤
I'm so sorry Dave for that bad experience and thank God for your life. I wish the law can stop this as it's unusual in Portugal as they say.Thanks for the advice and being open about it.🙏🇿🇦
This is so scary to hear as a woman, I try to be safe always but men like this are really terrible for everyone in the world- it makes me scared to think how they take advantage of people who have less physical strength to defend themselves … These men are just crazy
Im glad that you are OK now! Pls, be careful! Thank you for trying to be kind and objective to light this terrible experience for others! Be safe!
So sorry Dave. We have to be always careful, even in Portugal. I live in Porto for almost 57 years and never been mugged but i know this things can happen anytime and when we least expect.
I feel sad for what you've been through. My wife and I were in Porto over Christmas. It's a fantastic city with wonderful people. However, I acknowledge that unfortunate events can occur. Fortunately, we had nothing but positive experiences. Thank you very much for the advices on staying safe while traveling, whether domestically or internationally.
Please do not walk alone , at night specially after 12:00 am.
Portugal was never that country that you had to worry about walking alone.
we don't need to change our habits, we need to stop the changes that lead to this.
@@ianmoone6562 not true
@@antoniobatista8009Nah absolutely true. Portugal is safe whenever wherever by pretty much every metric imaginable.
This is simply not true at all in Portugal.
So happy you are ok. Very unfortunate but like you said, it could happen anywhere. As someone considering the move it is not something I want to here but I'm not naive. It is really good to know that the locals are looking out for each other and understand that the average citizen moving there are trying to get away from that very thing and just want to be accepted in the country to live life to its fullest. THANKS FOR SHARING.
Experienced this in Barcelona too with the same eye injury. Ethnicity should have been mentioned. As experienced by you, the ones that attacked were not Spanish but came from another country. Immigration and asylum policies as well as more punitive law enforcement should be enabled in Europe
Nearly always the sames!
Black betcha anything. They do it in nyc.
IF THEY THINK YOU ARE A TOURIST, THEY SEE YOU AS AN EASIER PREY. WE ALL KNOW WHO THEY ARE, BUT YOU CAN'T SAY
@@robban5545 Yes, because there were no pickpockets, dangerous neighborhoods, or assaults before immigration. Um, no. I have traveled extensively since the eighties, and I have always had to do my homework and follow certain basic rules of safety, especially in cities: know the wrong neighborhoods, avoid the wrong neighborhoods, learn how to protect my valuables in crowded tourist areas, avoid empty areas, don't stay out late. Just the rules of traveling, especially in cities. Always works. I talk to travelers all the time. Nothing's changed. You just need to know and follow the right rules. By the way, NYC was MORE dangerous in the eighties than now, with the immigration. The same is true for many European countries and cities. For example, Trump calls Mexicans rapists and murderers, but the statistics show they are no more likely to rape or murder than white people... I am not saying that multi-cultural communities are not more challenging to manage. They are. Different people have different behaviors, habits, customs, etc. It takes some effort to work through that. Wave after wave of immigration for centuries in the U.S. has shown. It doesn't matter whether the immigrants are Mexican. When they are Irish., German, Italian, Polish, etc., they were ALL problems. Not just brown and black people. They all had trouble getting jobs, They were all verbally and physically abused. They were all poor and tended to violence, too. They all resorted to crime. And eventually after many generations they assimilated. In the U.S., white people are now 41% percent of the population. That is challenging. I see European countries with like 3% immigrants who are whining incredibly and their right-wings are growing. All the problems are heaped on those 3%, even when the crime rates are the same. It's always the color of the skin. I'm not saying that immigration is never or not a problem. I am saying that whenever I dig down into the details, the statistics, the proof of huge problems caused specifically by immigrants is not always there. In a lot of cases, you have people focusing on specific events involving black people over and over, exaggerating them, and ignoring the crimes committed by others, crime that has always been there. Here in America, for example, white people commit ALL the mass shootings. ALL the serial killers are white. Tons of white people do drugs and drive the drug trade, which involves a number of different crimes. Rich people engage in all kinds of white collar crime, robbing others of tons of money, in many cases perfectly legally. The white crimes just don't get the same attention, just don't generate the same kind of focus, judgment, and anger. It's interesting.
@@robban5545 I disagree. You must say who they are: illegal immigrants from Africa, especially form the North. Enough cowardice!
Going to Porto in 2 weeks. So grateful to stumble across your page and the video of “what not to do in Portugal”. Bummer this happened to you, but also nice to see people come to your rescue.
Hey😢 Dave. Glad to hear you are ok. Thanks so much for posting. Portugal is an amazing place and yes Crime can happen anywhere at any time. Appreciate your honesty and you have probably saved a few people just by posting this video. It takes courage and I for one very much appreciate your honesty. Stay safe.
Hi Dave, What a terrible thing to happen, to you or to anyone. I appreciate that you have shared your experience with us. Although Portugal is ranked as a very safe country, this kind of violence can happen anywhere and at any time. I'm happy to hear that you are alright and that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. And it's a good lesson for all of us to be careful, no matter where we are. Thankfully the other guys showed up when they did. Take care, Dave! David
I have been to Portugal, everyone was friendly to us. This is one of my top picks for retired.
3-5 or sooner and we are heading to Viana do Castelo
I think you are right about the retirement assessment. Although the tax laws are apparently changing. Apparently the law has passed, but there is some small chance that it might not be implemented. So I hear. Without it, taxes could be high, even for retirees. Look into that.
Please tell me about the new law.@@izzytoons
Sad to hear about what happen to you!
I enjoy listen to your views about my country... I like the fact that you point out the good and the bad aspects... No place is perfect.
I am a Portuguese expat & I am planning to come back...love my Country and the moment my heart his full of SAUDADE... Thank you for respecting and embracing our culture and also for contributing to its social environment. David I think your soul is Portuguese...Get better and all the best
Take care Dave, we share your love for Portugal but incidents like this make you think. Please keep sharing the video's and visit the Douro and Tras-os-montes area sometime.
I love that area 🙌🏻 Yes moments like these just keep us on our toes
it´s a major portuguese city like any other major city in the world is more problematic than smaller ones, theres bad people everywhere utopic doesn´t exist, also we are a having a influx of people so they probably think they can be rich here but for european standards we are poor.
You are so calm in relating your incident and your perspective is so well balanced. By the way you have a very soothing voice.
So sorry to hear this. It can happen anywhere and not just traveling. I was mugged here in Nashville, where I live. I was a woman alone, walking to my car after dark (10:30 ish), and was in a dark area of a parking lot. The guy had a gun and grabbed my arm. I had bruises for a week. I thought I was used to being situationally aware, but this did ramp up my vigilance.
So sorry to hear that. Yup, it's a problem pretty much everywhere. You want to go around with others at night, to popular, well-lit places. Thanks for the story. It lets people know: it's not just Porto.
If you can, if you’re walking from a store or office after dark, have someone there from the staff walk you to the car if possible. Ashamed this has to be done in the United States.
Great Video Dave and good reminder! Glad you're alright! Stay safe.