Have you ever been somewhere you didn't feel safe?
Apr 9th, 2008, 04:18 PM
#21
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Carol, where were you in KC???? Thats where we live, and if you were on the Kansas side, I totally understand!!!! Most people dont put Kansas and scary in the same sentence!!!!!
We didnt feel safe in South Africa...we were in some compound with razor wire and armed guards...but we did get some cool pictures!!!!
Jeffrey and April
We didnt feel safe in South Africa...we were in some compound with razor wire and armed guards...but we did get some cool pictures!!!!
Jeffrey and April
Apr 9th, 2008, 05:10 PM
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Well...let me see...I've been on all of the continents and am female and have been out traveling alone since I was 17...I'm early 50s now. I'd say one of the places that I really can do without is Rome. This was back in the mid-late 80s I think.
I had just arrived into Rome, checked in my luggage, and then headed over to the Coliseum by public bus. Well, after leaving the coliseum, I was walking on the other side of the street when three women appeared from nowhere and circled me. I was more outraged than scared...as I'm form L.A. area where there are lots of guns in the States. I figured in Rome that these women wouldn't have guns.
So, my plan was to quickly figure out a way to whip their butts. Anyhow, as I was fighting them, I saw two figures in the distance...two light-haired White girls....screaming..."Are you American?" Well, I said, "Yes". Then they screamed..."We're coming to help". I stood out being Black-American. Anyhow, they ran down to where I was and we started fighting like there was no tomorrow and they took their plastic liter-sized bottles and started using them like baseball bats. It got REAL nasty. Anyhow, the attackers thought we were nuts and fled...like diappeared into thin air. We never saw them exit. We gave each other high fives and laughed all the way down the street. They said that they'd been studying there for a almost a year and had been coming to the rescue of folks all the time....Later for part two of the story...arttack #2 on the same day....to be continued...Happy Travels!
I had just arrived into Rome, checked in my luggage, and then headed over to the Coliseum by public bus. Well, after leaving the coliseum, I was walking on the other side of the street when three women appeared from nowhere and circled me. I was more outraged than scared...as I'm form L.A. area where there are lots of guns in the States. I figured in Rome that these women wouldn't have guns.
So, my plan was to quickly figure out a way to whip their butts. Anyhow, as I was fighting them, I saw two figures in the distance...two light-haired White girls....screaming..."Are you American?" Well, I said, "Yes". Then they screamed..."We're coming to help". I stood out being Black-American. Anyhow, they ran down to where I was and we started fighting like there was no tomorrow and they took their plastic liter-sized bottles and started using them like baseball bats. It got REAL nasty. Anyhow, the attackers thought we were nuts and fled...like diappeared into thin air. We never saw them exit. We gave each other high fives and laughed all the way down the street. They said that they'd been studying there for a almost a year and had been coming to the rescue of folks all the time....Later for part two of the story...arttack #2 on the same day....to be continued...Happy Travels!
Apr 9th, 2008, 07:15 PM
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Attack#2...on the same day. I went back to my hotel...furious...and mentioned to the desk clerk what had happened since she had commented how surprised she was that I was back so soon.
Well, while standing there talking to her, there was a woman checking in, and she was listening to me talking to the desk clerk. She commented that she'd heard all of the horror stories about Rome and really didn't want to go there, but thought she would just give it a try.
Well, this woman happened to be from Marina Del Rey (L.A.). She had been married to a wealthy man and had divorced him and told him to keep the house...in the Palisades... and leave her the houseboat at the marina where she would live. She'd raised her kids and now it was "her" time to enjoy "her" life after having taken care of everyone else nearly her entire life. So, she took the money from the divorce and set out for 2 years around the world.
She was also an L.A. Marathon runner. She was very fit and I was also very fit at that time. So, we decided to hook up and go out together...team up!
Well, we jumped on a bus and went over to see a famous church when a guy started following us and asking if we were American. We tried to ignore him, but he wouldn't buzz off. Then we left the church area and jumped on the city bus to head to the coliseum...yes..again...but she wanted to see it. Well, we didn't know that this guy had gotten on the same bus that we had gotten on until we felt someone groping us. The bus was very crowded and standing room only.
So, we got off at the coliseum and so did he. Then we walked around the ruins and so did he. Then some kind of way she and I got momentarily separated and I heard a scream. He was attacking her. I ran over and we jumped him and pushed him down to the ground and his sunglasses flew off. We gave him a few kicks and took off and thought we'd temporarily hold out in the women's restroom as there were lots of women in there.
Well, as we were walking out, there he was standing in front of the exit door...on to plan B...
So, he started talking trash to us. We ignored him...kept walking and giving him the "Don't even try to look at us the wrong way...or else we'll kick your butt again" look and walked out of the coliseum area. He then left us alone and we took the bus back to the hotel and he wasn't on that one.
We were really on our own to handle the situation. When I'd gotten surrounded earlier that day, it was in the afternoon with tons of people on the street watching and no one trying to help out. Guys just stood and watched as if it was a spectator sport. The next day, she angrily packed up her bag and hopped the train to Florence. I went with her, but was there for only a day as I had to get back to Rome to meet my Belgian friends who were to later meet me there on vacation. She stayed in Florence at a beautiful, small hotel with a million-dollar view...for about $75. back then. Probably $400. today. Florence was wonderful.
The other place I can definitely do without is Naples. I was with an American, male friend, who'd lived there for two years. He'd been robbed numerous times on the street. We went out early one evening...still sun up...and were standing on an island street divider waiting for a bus when two men in car came driving down the street and one leaned out the window and grabbed my arm. Remember, I'm on foot, they are in a car. My friend, who speaks fluent Italian came running and screaming at them in Italian as I was beating the guys arm to let me go. The guy let go and my friend and I caught the bus and went on to the restaurant. I do love Italy, but it's the country that I've personally had the most problems in with this kind of stuff and I've been to at least 2 dozen countries and on every continent. Happy Travels!
Well, while standing there talking to her, there was a woman checking in, and she was listening to me talking to the desk clerk. She commented that she'd heard all of the horror stories about Rome and really didn't want to go there, but thought she would just give it a try.
Well, this woman happened to be from Marina Del Rey (L.A.). She had been married to a wealthy man and had divorced him and told him to keep the house...in the Palisades... and leave her the houseboat at the marina where she would live. She'd raised her kids and now it was "her" time to enjoy "her" life after having taken care of everyone else nearly her entire life. So, she took the money from the divorce and set out for 2 years around the world.
She was also an L.A. Marathon runner. She was very fit and I was also very fit at that time. So, we decided to hook up and go out together...team up!
Well, we jumped on a bus and went over to see a famous church when a guy started following us and asking if we were American. We tried to ignore him, but he wouldn't buzz off. Then we left the church area and jumped on the city bus to head to the coliseum...yes..again...but she wanted to see it. Well, we didn't know that this guy had gotten on the same bus that we had gotten on until we felt someone groping us. The bus was very crowded and standing room only.
So, we got off at the coliseum and so did he. Then we walked around the ruins and so did he. Then some kind of way she and I got momentarily separated and I heard a scream. He was attacking her. I ran over and we jumped him and pushed him down to the ground and his sunglasses flew off. We gave him a few kicks and took off and thought we'd temporarily hold out in the women's restroom as there were lots of women in there.
Well, as we were walking out, there he was standing in front of the exit door...on to plan B...
So, he started talking trash to us. We ignored him...kept walking and giving him the "Don't even try to look at us the wrong way...or else we'll kick your butt again" look and walked out of the coliseum area. He then left us alone and we took the bus back to the hotel and he wasn't on that one.
We were really on our own to handle the situation. When I'd gotten surrounded earlier that day, it was in the afternoon with tons of people on the street watching and no one trying to help out. Guys just stood and watched as if it was a spectator sport. The next day, she angrily packed up her bag and hopped the train to Florence. I went with her, but was there for only a day as I had to get back to Rome to meet my Belgian friends who were to later meet me there on vacation. She stayed in Florence at a beautiful, small hotel with a million-dollar view...for about $75. back then. Probably $400. today. Florence was wonderful.
The other place I can definitely do without is Naples. I was with an American, male friend, who'd lived there for two years. He'd been robbed numerous times on the street. We went out early one evening...still sun up...and were standing on an island street divider waiting for a bus when two men in car came driving down the street and one leaned out the window and grabbed my arm. Remember, I'm on foot, they are in a car. My friend, who speaks fluent Italian came running and screaming at them in Italian as I was beating the guys arm to let me go. The guy let go and my friend and I caught the bus and went on to the restaurant. I do love Italy, but it's the country that I've personally had the most problems in with this kind of stuff and I've been to at least 2 dozen countries and on every continent. Happy Travels!
Apr 9th, 2008, 07:39 PM
#26
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A few places...
(chronologically)
1) East Palo Alto, CA: I had just learned to drive. My aunt just got a car with one of the first models of the GPS. I decided to go for a late night movie in her car. The GPS took me through E.PA. At a red light, someone flung an empty beer bottle at me and all his friends started laughing. I sped away...
2) Oakland, CA (downtown): I had bought my very own car (first car). A manual transmission (so I can practice, plus they're more fun to drive). The only problem was I did not know how to drive manual back then. Yahoo maps took me through downtown Oakland. Seeing a lot of people huddling together, I kept stalling the car.
3) Bronx, NY: We missed an exit. Ended up in Bronx. Totally freaked out. Had 40 minutes to get to JFK (and no idea how). Was not fun. (we did make the flight, however).
(chronologically)
1) East Palo Alto, CA: I had just learned to drive. My aunt just got a car with one of the first models of the GPS. I decided to go for a late night movie in her car. The GPS took me through E.PA. At a red light, someone flung an empty beer bottle at me and all his friends started laughing. I sped away...
2) Oakland, CA (downtown): I had bought my very own car (first car). A manual transmission (so I can practice, plus they're more fun to drive). The only problem was I did not know how to drive manual back then. Yahoo maps took me through downtown Oakland. Seeing a lot of people huddling together, I kept stalling the car.
3) Bronx, NY: We missed an exit. Ended up in Bronx. Totally freaked out. Had 40 minutes to get to JFK (and no idea how). Was not fun. (we did make the flight, however).
Apr 10th, 2008, 07:05 AM
#28
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Waynehazle...Downtown L.A.? What's so scary about downtown L.A.? I go down there alone and without any problems...ok..a few folks I know have been mugged, but nothing life threatening. Happy Travels!
Apr 10th, 2008, 09:50 AM
#30
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I guess I would have to say in Lisbon Portugal. We were looking for a chinese resturant up by the university. (Food what else would motivate Bob) We rounded the corner in our little rental car and were looking a huge honking tank with the gun pointed at us. Needless to say Bob managed to get the car in reverse pronto and out of there. We never did find out what was going on, and opted for plan B for dinner. Don't even remember what that ws.
Apr 10th, 2008, 11:03 AM
#31
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Guenmai, I'd feel life-threatened if I were mugged! But I guess compared to your Italian events, the muggings in downtown LA don't sound so bad.
Colduphere, luckily I've never walked around Candlestick Park, and I guess I won't.
Colduphere, luckily I've never walked around Candlestick Park, and I guess I won't.
Apr 10th, 2008, 12:17 PM
#33
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Oh, Wayne...I've been in that area many times..it's the area of two of my best friends' clients...the first one, let's just say... is in law enforcement... and the other one...is a public defender....lock 'em up...let 'em out. We've run into all kinds of their clients down there. But, then again we've also run into them at the high-class Beverly Center...Hollywood...Beverly Hills border.
One day, the law enforcement friend and I were going up the escalator at the Beverly Center(Mall)when a perfectly dressed, clean cut, and drop-dead gorgeous 30-something male smiled and waved at my best friend. She waved back. I asked her who that was and she said an alleged "hit man" that seems to never be convicted. She's had him in lock up.
I used to shop in the downtown area that you're speaking of when the chef warehouse places were down there.
For a funny story...well...one of my sisters is in the acting industry, outside of her regular career, and one day was told to report to the skidrow section of downtown L.A. So, she thought she'd just take the bus there since she didn't want to deal with the traffic.
Well, the shoot went well into the day and when she finished she was beat. So, she jumped back on the bus, but in wardrobe. She handed the bus driver her fare, but he wouldn't take it. She kept trying to give it to him, but he still wouldn't take it. This happened all the way back to Pasadena transferring buses. Well, it hit her that the drivers were reacting to her clothes and overall appearance. She had been playing the part of a skidrow inhabitant! Maybe she should have been nominated for an Emmy.I guess she played the heck out of THAT roll. Smiles. Happy Travels!
One day, the law enforcement friend and I were going up the escalator at the Beverly Center(Mall)when a perfectly dressed, clean cut, and drop-dead gorgeous 30-something male smiled and waved at my best friend. She waved back. I asked her who that was and she said an alleged "hit man" that seems to never be convicted. She's had him in lock up.
I used to shop in the downtown area that you're speaking of when the chef warehouse places were down there.
For a funny story...well...one of my sisters is in the acting industry, outside of her regular career, and one day was told to report to the skidrow section of downtown L.A. So, she thought she'd just take the bus there since she didn't want to deal with the traffic.
Well, the shoot went well into the day and when she finished she was beat. So, she jumped back on the bus, but in wardrobe. She handed the bus driver her fare, but he wouldn't take it. She kept trying to give it to him, but he still wouldn't take it. This happened all the way back to Pasadena transferring buses. Well, it hit her that the drivers were reacting to her clothes and overall appearance. She had been playing the part of a skidrow inhabitant! Maybe she should have been nominated for an Emmy.I guess she played the heck out of THAT roll. Smiles. Happy Travels!
Apr 10th, 2008, 12:21 PM
#34
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Passing through Mombasa, Kenya on our way to Lamu in 1995 - we were just very glad we had a van and driver. My memories are vague now but it seemed at the time like it would be a very scary place to be out walking around. If you have been there you probably know what I'm talking about.
Apr 10th, 2008, 04:27 PM
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Colduphere, I wouldn't worry about Beijing at night. We got lost one night in a rat's nest of alleys SW of Tiananmen Square, but neither then nor at any other time during our week's stay felt threatened. I don't think there are any dodgy areas as in large American cities and the Beijingers are as helpful as they can be in the absence of a common language.
The only times I've felt momentarily nervous, and then not much, have been in quiet areas of a couple of US cities when approached by dodgy-looking beggars.
luvlimoncello, I can't comment on Egypt or Colombia, but I'd have no hesitation in visiting Indonesia (although I might pass on any areas subject to local conflicts, such as Aceh). We've only been to Bali, but none of the reports I've had of the rest of the country would give me any pause at all. US and Australian government travel advisories are ultra-cautious. The people who write them apply the CYA principle.
The only times I've felt momentarily nervous, and then not much, have been in quiet areas of a couple of US cities when approached by dodgy-looking beggars.
luvlimoncello, I can't comment on Egypt or Colombia, but I'd have no hesitation in visiting Indonesia (although I might pass on any areas subject to local conflicts, such as Aceh). We've only been to Bali, but none of the reports I've had of the rest of the country would give me any pause at all. US and Australian government travel advisories are ultra-cautious. The people who write them apply the CYA principle.
Apr 10th, 2008, 08:35 PM
#36
luvlimoncello -
I'm an American who has lived in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and currently live in Indonesia. I travel quite a bit and have visited several countries.
I've only felt unsafe a few times -
1) When I happened upon an anti-American demonstration in Bahrain and I had my passport on my person
2) When staying overnight near the LAX airport (female traveling alone)
3) Walking In New Orleans
I'm an American who has lived in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and currently live in Indonesia. I travel quite a bit and have visited several countries.
I've only felt unsafe a few times -
1) When I happened upon an anti-American demonstration in Bahrain and I had my passport on my person
2) When staying overnight near the LAX airport (female traveling alone)
3) Walking In New Orleans
Apr 10th, 2008, 08:40 PM
#37
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Ah, I forgot to mention...
Mumbai riots 1992-1993. A hoard of 500 idiots came up in trucks across the street from my house to break some religious structure. It was freaky.
Mumbai Blasts (1993): Two happened near my house and one right behind my dads office. I'd never felt so scared for my family before.
Mumbai riots 1992-1993. A hoard of 500 idiots came up in trucks across the street from my house to break some religious structure. It was freaky.
Mumbai Blasts (1993): Two happened near my house and one right behind my dads office. I'd never felt so scared for my family before.
Apr 11th, 2008, 02:28 PM
#39
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Mugged by a quartet of razor-wielding young punks at midday on Sunday on one of the main streets of Santiago, Chile. The surrounding crowd just stared. Not a peep out of anyone. My trousers slashed from waist to knee. Pocket emptied of $50 in Chilean money. Thanks to nobody, not a drop of my blood lost. Cops? What cops?
Apr 11th, 2008, 03:15 PM
#40
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Luvlimoncello,
You could go with a group, which would probably make you feel safer and probably would be safer than going alone.
<i>"The place just reeked of desperation and of course urine."</i>
I think you're doing a Mickey Spillane impression!
I never felt unsafe traveling unless you call a 9th grade fieldtrip on a bus to the museum traveling. I was beaten up and sexually assaulted by about 12 girls (I'm female) in the back of the bus.
Where were the teachers? Several were in the front, but if I had called out for help, I was threatened with being cut up in the locker room the next week at school. Since I'd seen blood flowing in the locker room I believed them and kept quiet.
You could go with a group, which would probably make you feel safer and probably would be safer than going alone.
<i>"The place just reeked of desperation and of course urine."</i>
I think you're doing a Mickey Spillane impression!
I never felt unsafe traveling unless you call a 9th grade fieldtrip on a bus to the museum traveling. I was beaten up and sexually assaulted by about 12 girls (I'm female) in the back of the bus.
Where were the teachers? Several were in the front, but if I had called out for help, I was threatened with being cut up in the locker room the next week at school. Since I'd seen blood flowing in the locker room I believed them and kept quiet.
