I cancelled our trip to Paris
Mar 25th, 2016, 06:42 PM
#122
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My entire family (husband, 8 year old son, parents) and my best friend and her entire family (husband, 16 year old son, 14 year old daughter, and parents) are headed to Paris in June.
I didn't think twice about our trip after the Paris attacks. But after Brussels, I have a small twinge of doubt. Not for myself...I can reason that I have a better chance at being killed driving around home, or in the workplace. However, I can't help but think about my child and my friend's children.
My 7th grade trip to France back in the 80's was cancelled due to increased terrorist activities, and I've longed to make up for that missed opportunity ever since. I couldn't understand terrorism then. I can't understand it now.
Paris, I'll see you on June 12.
I didn't think twice about our trip after the Paris attacks. But after Brussels, I have a small twinge of doubt. Not for myself...I can reason that I have a better chance at being killed driving around home, or in the workplace. However, I can't help but think about my child and my friend's children.
My 7th grade trip to France back in the 80's was cancelled due to increased terrorist activities, and I've longed to make up for that missed opportunity ever since. I couldn't understand terrorism then. I can't understand it now.
Paris, I'll see you on June 12.
Mar 25th, 2016, 07:49 PM
#123
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My husband,daughter & I are traveling to Barcelona & Paris in April .We are visiting our son who is an Erasmus exchange student in Barcelona. We never considered cancelling. My 18 year old daughter is a 10 year cancer survivor. We lost over 3 years of our lives during her treatment & recovery. We learned that life is too short to sit home worrying about the what ifs! Since February my son has visited Madrid,Lisbon,San Sebastian,Biarritz,Prague,Dublin,Paris,London & is in Amsterdam now. He is having the time of his life & we can't wait to travel together as a family! Every day is a gift. Carpe diem!
Mar 25th, 2016, 07:54 PM
#124
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Buckeyevet, I was living in a Paris suburb in the '80s with other young Americans when we recieved a call late one night issued from Frankfurt that we were a potential terrorist target. We were given a specific list of 20 some safety precautions. I remember bombings in Paris then, and we also spent time working in Arab neighborhoods. I was shaken, for sure. I think it's worse now, But it goes to show the perfect time to travel will likely never exist. Stay safe, and enjoy a very beautiful country. No regrets!
Mar 25th, 2016, 09:17 PM
#125
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flanner,
Your post made me laugh out loud--thanks for that.
"And it's a race between our ricketty staircase and the electric wiring in our 17th century house to see which will provoke the fatal accident."
Now I will picture you at your computer, fingers hovering above the keys, unsure whether this is the night the wiring will reach through and give you that final thrill.
;-)
Your post made me laugh out loud--thanks for that.
"And it's a race between our ricketty staircase and the electric wiring in our 17th century house to see which will provoke the fatal accident."
Now I will picture you at your computer, fingers hovering above the keys, unsure whether this is the night the wiring will reach through and give you that final thrill.
;-)
Mar 25th, 2016, 11:00 PM
#127
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Travelpeacock - great post.
Happy to hear your son made it. I've been a volunteer some years in a pediatric oncology department in a Brussels hospital. Kids there are fabulous.
People like you are much less likely to complain than people whose worst experience has been a broken leg.
Happy to hear your son made it. I've been a volunteer some years in a pediatric oncology department in a Brussels hospital. Kids there are fabulous.
People like you are much less likely to complain than people whose worst experience has been a broken leg.
Mar 26th, 2016, 05:47 AM
#129
Mariah Carey canelled the Brussels concert for this Sunday. She did not cancel her entire tour in Europe. http://www.usnews.com/news/entertain...urity-concerns
She may have been advised that a gathering that big could be a security concern. I think it was U2 & the Foo fighters that cancelled their concerta in Paris scheduled shortly after the attacks.
She may have been advised that a gathering that big could be a security concern. I think it was U2 & the Foo fighters that cancelled their concerta in Paris scheduled shortly after the attacks.
Mar 26th, 2016, 06:01 AM
#130
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<i><font color=#555555>"She may have been advised that a gathering that big could be a security concern."</font></i>
You can be absolutely sure that security advice and promoter's insurance played a serious role in this major decision.
I fail to see how the cancellation of a large concert, and the security/insurance concerns of such an event, have any relevance to the thoughts and feelings expressed in this thread. Some people just love to talk their BS, hoping someone will listen.
You can be absolutely sure that security advice and promoter's insurance played a serious role in this major decision.
I fail to see how the cancellation of a large concert, and the security/insurance concerns of such an event, have any relevance to the thoughts and feelings expressed in this thread. Some people just love to talk their BS, hoping someone will listen.
Mar 26th, 2016, 06:12 AM
#131
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According to the article, she is cancelling 'for the safety of her fans.'
But you are probably right, her security teams are just simple greedy cowards, not nearly as honest & brave as you are NYCS
But you are probably right, her security teams are just simple greedy cowards, not nearly as honest & brave as you are NYCS
Mar 26th, 2016, 06:34 AM
#132
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FrankS, I don't know what world you live in, but you've got issues.
Whenever a major artist cancels an expensive show, you better believe there's a group of business people who come together to consult on the cancellation message. Much like on this board, ticket buyers have diverse opinions about a show's cancellation, and too many people express anger over decisions like these. The decision to say, "for the safety of her fans," rings the right note, IMO.
This business about "greedy cowards" is you projecting. Same with "honest and brave." You don't know what you are talking about.
Whenever a major artist cancels an expensive show, you better believe there's a group of business people who come together to consult on the cancellation message. Much like on this board, ticket buyers have diverse opinions about a show's cancellation, and too many people express anger over decisions like these. The decision to say, "for the safety of her fans," rings the right note, IMO.
This business about "greedy cowards" is you projecting. Same with "honest and brave." You don't know what you are talking about.
Mar 26th, 2016, 07:16 AM
#133
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after Bataclan concerts were canceled by the authorities.
If not the case then the decision lies with Mariah Carey. And everybody has a right to express an opinion.
Perso I don't care I don't like Mariah Carey as a star and I don't like her music.
Ps FrankS you better listen to snob she knows a lot about talking BS on a forum.
If not the case then the decision lies with Mariah Carey. And everybody has a right to express an opinion.
Perso I don't care I don't like Mariah Carey as a star and I don't like her music.
Ps FrankS you better listen to snob she knows a lot about talking BS on a forum.
Mar 26th, 2016, 10:25 AM
#134
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There is a clear difference between one individual traveler's risk assessment, and that of a concert organizer. You are responsible for yourself; Mariah Carey and her team take responsibility for scores of people when they sell tickets to a show. And the security situation in Brussels seems unsettled at the moment. Makes sense to me that no one, authorities included, would want the extra headache of a big show right now.
Mar 26th, 2016, 10:50 AM
#135
<<The President of the USA dancing a tango in Argentina was a bit unnerving >>
More so than one reading a children's story?
-------
We are just back from Berlin/Greece/Southern Italy; Brussels attacks occurred while we were in Italy.
Security tightest at Roma Termini and on the train from Naples to Rome. Somewhat heavy at FCO; no noticeable difference at AMS.
I'm scheduled for Italy in September, returning through Heathrow. No plans to change at this point. Meeting 3 others over there for a class; doubt they will cancel.
I agree we should follow our own comfort level, though, and it's not just about risk assessment. For those of us with limited time off, there's the part about actually enjoying the time (and expense of) traveling.
More so than one reading a children's story?
-------
We are just back from Berlin/Greece/Southern Italy; Brussels attacks occurred while we were in Italy.
Security tightest at Roma Termini and on the train from Naples to Rome. Somewhat heavy at FCO; no noticeable difference at AMS.
I'm scheduled for Italy in September, returning through Heathrow. No plans to change at this point. Meeting 3 others over there for a class; doubt they will cancel.
I agree we should follow our own comfort level, though, and it's not just about risk assessment. For those of us with limited time off, there's the part about actually enjoying the time (and expense of) traveling.
Mar 26th, 2016, 11:04 AM
#136
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<<The President of the USA dancing a tango in Argentina was a bit unnerving >>
More so than one reading a children's story? <<
Childrens story?
Maybe you are ignorant of our history with Argentina. The tango was glibly danced on the 40th anniversary of a US backed Argentine Military Government operation of repression that led to the deaths of 30k-80k people. The US was so fearful of a Communist Argentina, we backed death squads. With the help of the CIA, supporters & potential supporters of a labor movement were rounded up and 'disappeared' even with their kids
More so than one reading a children's story?
<<Childrens story?
Maybe you are ignorant of our history with Argentina. The tango was glibly danced on the 40th anniversary of a US backed Argentine Military Government operation of repression that led to the deaths of 30k-80k people. The US was so fearful of a Communist Argentina, we backed death squads. With the help of the CIA, supporters & potential supporters of a labor movement were rounded up and 'disappeared' even with their kids
Mar 26th, 2016, 11:20 AM
#137
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There is a clear difference between one individual traveler's risk assessment, and that of a concert organizer.<<
The "March Against Fear" in Brussels set for tomorrow was just cancelled out of fear
The "March Against Fear" in Brussels set for tomorrow was just cancelled out of fear
Mar 26th, 2016, 12:07 PM
#138
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I was originally scheduled to travel to Paris in November, 3 days after the horrific bombings took place.I postponed in light of the incident that occured. I subsequently rebooked for April 1st to include Paris - Brussels and London. Then this past week occurs. But I am going this time. I will defer Brussels due to what I think may still be a higher chance of another incident, but instead add Prague in its place.
I just felt that by giving in to my fears I allowed myself to miss opportunities I may never have again.
Each of us makes a personal choice to travel. Too sucumb to fear is not a sign of weakness, as we all have life situations that we must acknowledge for ourselves. May we all be lucky enough to enjoy our travel experiences and remain safe throughout.
I just felt that by giving in to my fears I allowed myself to miss opportunities I may never have again.
Each of us makes a personal choice to travel. Too sucumb to fear is not a sign of weakness, as we all have life situations that we must acknowledge for ourselves. May we all be lucky enough to enjoy our travel experiences and remain safe throughout.
Mar 26th, 2016, 12:46 PM
#139
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Maybe you should cancel Paris and London and replace by Budapest and Krakow.
Old West countries are more likely to be (re)targeted than east countries.
So I don't blame you to reconsider, but why skip Bruxelles and not Paris nor London ? That is a flaw in your reasoning : likeliness of an attack in London is IMO higher now that in Paris and Bxl, which have been hit already.
Old West countries are more likely to be (re)targeted than east countries.
So I don't blame you to reconsider, but why skip Bruxelles and not Paris nor London ? That is a flaw in your reasoning : likeliness of an attack in London is IMO higher now that in Paris and Bxl, which have been hit already.
Mar 26th, 2016, 02:07 PM
#140
I've always thought along the lines of, after a major incident (airline, earthquake, bombing, etc.) may be the safest time to go, kind of like lightening, unlikely to happen twice. Then after the 2 Malaysia Airlines crashes, I've had to re-evaluate my thinking. It has now become "you can just never know". Therefore carry on, as in life, so in travel.
