Most problems gringos have…

Shame on me: I should have known that most of the responses would be to shoot the messenger and blame the victims.

Read my last paragraph. Over the past 20 years, neither me nor my friends has had to worry about theft on La Ropa....that's what has been most upsetting.

None of us are neophytes when it comes to travel or the necessity to guard against theft at all times....including while on "vacation." So, yes, if it makes you all feel better, my friends should have guarded their possessions more closely. I'm sure they (and I) will do so from now on.

The "apparently local" description came from those who witnessed what they later realized had been a theft. Why "apparently local"? Ask them. They apparently understand that description, if you don't.