Changed my mind, no longer in tears!!
 

I've decided to go. Here's my logic. I live in NYC. A city mind you that in the last 8 years has been hit 3 times (I count each tower as one time, bc lets face it they could have just hit one and left it at that, but no, they went for both damn them). Italy has not been hit. There are more americans here than italy, and we've already been warned of future USA attacks, which will certainly be in ny as it's every terrorist's dream for many reasons. <BR> <BR>I live by the UN, which is completely closed off. The are not allowing any traffic anywhere near it. A huge chunk of 1st ave is closed to ALL traffic. I cannot even be dropped off at my door; the cabs drop me 2 blocks away. CLearly the UN could be a target, and if it's hit, I'm toast if I happen to be home. <BR> <BR>So there you go. Rome is a big city w. many people. I'll steer clear of the Embassy and all McDonalds. <BR> <BR>Just how many US capitalism symbols are there anyhoo?? I cant think of any - starbucks? haha

Meg, <BR> <BR>I like your logic. Go and have fun!

Meg, I like your logic too. I live in the DC area and ride the metro through downtown DC every day. Kind of seems silly to stay in town to be "safe." I've been vacilating all night. But hey, I still have hours to decided!

Meg, congratulations! You've made the right decision - especially when it struck me as most bizarre, Americans refraining from travel to Paris, Rome, etc... well, Americans, you know... this explains everything. (to be taken lightly). By the way, you can very safely even visit a McDonald - trust me. However are you sure this is where you want to eat when in Rome? (Email me if you need some recommendations).

Glad to hear it Meg. I think the best way for any of us to make decisions like these is to step back a little, give it a day, and then think about it rationally. Then if you go or don't go, it is not a spur of the moment emotional reaction. I know I feel better about the situation after a day's thought. Afterall, the State Dept. didn't say to avoid Italy but to use extra caution.

Happy travels, Meg. I'm glad a few people out there are beginning to put this in perspective. After all, statistically you're still far more likely to have a road accident than be affected by any terrorist incident! <BR>

I feel sorry about all the poor people who overreacted and cancelled their trips all the way to next spring. What a waste!

Go Meg!! So are we! We made these plans in January,so many friends are saying we should not go-these friends don't go anywhere! -every day ,we say to each other " should we go?"-then today my husband said- someone on the news said that NY has a big bulls eye on it-it is the capital of this and that,like you said, there ARE a lot of Americans here!Who says we will be safer here than in Europe?-I just want my children to be safe(they live out of NY) So, maybe we will see you in Florence or Rome! we will be the ones with the really big smiles on our faces~~C

I'm nearly in tears for all the people who you put nearly in tears, because you were nearly in tears for feeling like you had to cancel your trip. If I scroll down, will I find yet another post about you being back in tears again? Hey, I'm glad you are going but go already.

..... and please don't use the word "anyhoo" ever again.

This is a forum about travel. If you have a problem with the thread, it's your problem, not Meg's. <BR> <BR>ANYHOO!!! Have a great time Meg!

ok meg, just responded to your first thread, didn't see this one! so glad you are going-it's the right choice. we just came back from rome and we did go by the embassy which was heavily guarded but touching with big bouquets of flowers. saw plenty of americans. and enjoyed a quiet rome-no crazy noise that we had read about and walked right into the gallery borghese without reservations!!! didn't wait to get in anywhere-i suspect you'll have a similar experience-enjoy the lack of tourists!

Hi Meg...I also waffled all last night as I leave for Italy this evening...but reading these posts gave me the resolve also to go and enjoy! Thank you for putting the emotions into words for me. And thank you all for you opinions.

Have a great time Meg! Glad to here you are able to overcome your aprehensions, don't look back and concentrate on your trip!

way to go meg. enjoy yourself. we just returned from italy and had a wonderful time. of course, we were in florence when the news came about the wtc. we were very upset. we did watch cnn at nite. but during the day we were out and didnt have time to think or watch anything. we did try to get english newspapers, and really could not. but that was okay. it would have made my vacation a total disaster. we had been planning this vacation for 1 year; but in my head, its been all my adult life. so go, enjoy. and i hope you have the time of your life.

Best thread I've read in days! Have a wonderful trip Meg and all you others who have decided to continue to live your lives and carry out your plans. Our plans for Italy aren't until next May, but if we were ticketed in the next day or so we would definitely go. We will not allow the bastards to disrupt our way of life! <BR> <BR>j

Meg- my husband and I are also suppose to leave in a few days- we were going back and forth and we did sit and think about it and we are going too!! Good for you and best wishes- where are you going to in Italy? <BR>Lauren

Good for you, Meg! I thought someone made an excellent point a couple days ago when they pointed out that the vast majority of people who were killed in the attack on 9/11 were at work, not traveling. <BR> <BR>And, even if -- IF -- someone could predict with 100% certainty that there would be a terrorist attack someone in Italy during the next month, you've got to look at the odds. And, in my opinion, the odds are <I>overwhelmingly</I> in your favor that you would not be in the exact place at the exact time where and when it would happen. <BR> <BR>Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful time!

What about me don't you think Paris is riskier? Also live NY but not in a Landmark building. You were funny with the toast comment. And I agree all my friends who are telling me to stay home never go anywhere.

You are right about that Capo. Most of us have statistics heavily on our side. That is exactly what I keep telling everyone who says I should cancel my trip. Ok,let's say they targeted the Vatican. I will be there about 1.5% of the daylight hours in October, and even then I will be in different spots at different times in my visit. At other places, the odds are even much more against any problems. I might spend 15 seconds walking near the U.S. embassy or any other building that is not a major tourist site. The bigger problem for most people, in my opinion, is that if something happens it could really affect their trip experience because of airline shutdowns, tourist sight closings, or other actions that might follow.