churro: I'm sure the wonderbra will come in mighty handy when I'm in Lavapiés...I'm not sure I'll fit in in say, the Castellana area, though... Is there a wonderBRO that has a money pocket in it???

CaliBasco,

fair is fair....you can invest in a quality codpiece with a hidden compartment, if you see fit...

Cali, LOL ... but please don't confuse the wonderbra with the miracle bra, they're very different! The wonderbra is wonderful but the miracle bra really performs miracles for those of us who have not opted for plastic surgery (and keeps your money safe, to boot).

I like the idea of a wondercod or miraclecod!

Seriously, if I could figure out a way to smuggle jamon serrano in that bra, I would! I got caught at Miami International by a beagle who sniffed a bocadillo in my purse ... I had only eaten half of it and totally forgot to eat the rest of it on the plane, because a friend of a friend managed to sneak me into biz class "for operational reasons" on the way back, where they stuffed me with food & wine.

Churrito

Ay Dios Mio, this is the funniest thread. But so practical! I can just see former purse snatchers all over Madrid feeling up women and asking themselves, Are they real or could it be a Miracle bra stuffed with money?

For all the sometimes adveserial (spelling?)comments on our favorite website, it is really great to see an entire thread devoted both to Spain and to humour!

MM - go ahead and copyright that cod piece mentioned - just one more way to get to Madrid on a permanent basis!

Booklady: I tried to pass off my own "Roman fingers" as "just trying to check for money" and I got slapped numerous times. I don't see that type of pickpocketing becoming either popular or lucrative.

Also Cooter: I already own the "Tom Jones Travel Sock" which you fill with a roll of quarters [or euro dollars] for emergencies.

CaliBasco [Who doesn't think it's unusual to be loved by anyone]

Cali - I always thought your "Euro sock" was to be used for self defense - not cash!

Hmm ... with all these "Eurobras" and "Eurosocks" tourists will be clearly distinguished by the fact (especially in the warmer months) that they all appear quite well-endowed!

Cali, just for the record, I did *nearly* have to slap a few gentlemen in Madrid (I'm sure they meant well, really ... ), but that's another story!

Churrito

I love how this conversation went from safety to bras and socks.

One thing I didn't see here was the entertainment in the streets. When the bands play in the streets, I've seen lots of pickpockets there, going through the crowds. I actually caught one trying to rob the backpack of a friend of mine.

Actually, there is method to this madness. The segue from safety to underwear was intentional, because by keeping your money stashed in the "privates" you diminish your chances of losing it to pickpockets, regardless of where you are, even in a crowded touristy place.

Carrying a backpack (especially on your back, instead of in front) or any bag that has easy access to a zipper or pocket is just asking to be pickpocketed.

Churrito