He tried to catch my eye, I wondered if he were lost or perhaps needed the time, but he simply extended a hand out towards me. Nestled in his palm was a thick golden chain and a heavy gold ring. Perhaps he thought I had lost them?

“How much?” he said, with an urgent tone, his friend continuing past me towards the bus station.

I have neither the taste for, nor need of bling, but being British and eating my national dish I had to be civil.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have any cash I’m afraid.”

He snatched back his hand without another word, and circled round me. Following on his companion’s path. Later I discovered that as I had focussed on the shiny objects in his palm, his friend had taken the opportunity to steal the contents of my coat pockets. Luckily that pocket had just contained my keys, easily replaced, and a container of half sucked snus, ready for the compost heap. I smiled as I wondered what their reaction would be when they opened it.