While trying to find her hostel in Madrid, Spain, Soumya Nambiar became the victim of a pickpocketing incident. After a frustrating taxi drop-off that left her wandering around Plaza Mayor without GPS or clear directions, she spent nearly 45 minutes dragging her suitcase and camera gear through the cobbled streets, asking strangers for help. Amid the confusion, someone managed to open her sling handbag and steal her wallet—most likely while she was distracted speaking to passersby. She hadn’t worn the bag across her shoulder that day, a precaution she normally took but overlooked in the moment.
It wasn’t until she finally reached her hostel, The Hat, that she realized the wallet was missing. Overwhelmed and shocked, she was met with compassion and support from the hostel staff, who offered her water, helped her with her luggage, and calmly guided her through the next steps, including reporting the theft to the police. Though the experience shook her, she found a small sense of comfort in the kindness of strangers who helped in the aftermath.
