I cancelled our trip to Paris
Mar 27th, 2016, 09:45 AM
#142
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Hi Annw,
You posted above:
".....Security tightest at Roma Termini and on the train from Naples to Rome. Somewhat heavy at FCO; no noticeable difference at AMS. ...."
THANKS for posting. Can you elaborate more the security measures at Roma Termini and Napoli Centrale. I will be taking a fast train from Rome to Napoli Centrale, then Napoli Centrale (one-stop Roma Termini) to Milan.
I'm concerned about the train and train stations security measures. The tighter THE SECURITY, the better for us travelers. Are there metal detectors like in Madrid's train stations?
You posted above:
".....Security tightest at Roma Termini and on the train from Naples to Rome. Somewhat heavy at FCO; no noticeable difference at AMS. ...."
THANKS for posting. Can you elaborate more the security measures at Roma Termini and Napoli Centrale. I will be taking a fast train from Rome to Napoli Centrale, then Napoli Centrale (one-stop Roma Termini) to Milan.
I'm concerned about the train and train stations security measures. The tighter THE SECURITY, the better for us travelers. Are there metal detectors like in Madrid's train stations?
Mar 27th, 2016, 09:55 AM
#143
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Besides those here, I will bet it is the rare person who criticized Obama for being in Cuba and Argentina, who can find Brussels, Benghazi, and Buenos Aires on a map that just has the outline of country borders and no names.
There have been many attacks by Islamic radicals that have not been in Europe, that have gotten little or no attention. And to criticize Obama for not returning to DC, is a form of elitism.
There have been many attacks by Islamic radicals that have not been in Europe, that have gotten little or no attention. And to criticize Obama for not returning to DC, is a form of elitism.
Mar 28th, 2016, 04:01 AM
#146
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"The tighter the security the better for us travelers"<<
In Paris I normally stay at the Sofitel Le Faubourg hotel, and there has always been lots of security on that street because its near the US Embassy. I always felt the heavy presence made the immediate area safer, but terrorists will just look for softer targets in other parts of the city to do their mischief.
Everyday, the potential terrorists learn Paris better and better, everyday find accomplices in neighborhoods and businesses near where they want to hit, everyday find new sources of illegal materials. The barbarians are within the gates
In Paris I normally stay at the Sofitel Le Faubourg hotel, and there has always been lots of security on that street because its near the US Embassy. I always felt the heavy presence made the immediate area safer, but terrorists will just look for softer targets in other parts of the city to do their mischief.
Everyday, the potential terrorists learn Paris better and better, everyday find accomplices in neighborhoods and businesses near where they want to hit, everyday find new sources of illegal materials. The barbarians are within the gates
Mar 28th, 2016, 06:37 AM
#147
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"The tighter the security the better for us travelers"
IS RIGHT.
Visible security: metal detectors, bomb-sniffing dogs, police presence, and combined with whatever investigations the authorities do in knowing about these terror networks and their plans. Being ahead and prevention.
But this is not a perfect world.
So . . . There is nothing WRONG about visible tightened security. This seems to be working for those tourists in tight security areas.
When Eagles of Death Metal band played again in Paris, after their Bataclan massacred concert. Due to tight security, the band and the audience were safe. Nobody died.
IS RIGHT.
Visible security: metal detectors, bomb-sniffing dogs, police presence, and combined with whatever investigations the authorities do in knowing about these terror networks and their plans. Being ahead and prevention.
But this is not a perfect world.
So . . . There is nothing WRONG about visible tightened security. This seems to be working for those tourists in tight security areas.
When Eagles of Death Metal band played again in Paris, after their Bataclan massacred concert. Due to tight security, the band and the audience were safe. Nobody died.
Mar 28th, 2016, 07:23 AM
#149
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>>"The tighter the security the better for us travelers"
Wrong. What foils attacks is good intelligence.<<
So tighter security has no effect on foiling attacks? Then someone better tell security officials, because if that's true, a lot of money's going down a rat hole.
Wrong. What foils attacks is good intelligence.<<
So tighter security has no effect on foiling attacks? Then someone better tell security officials, because if that's true, a lot of money's going down a rat hole.
Mar 28th, 2016, 07:41 AM
#150
" if that's true, a lot of money's going down a rat hole."
It is indeed. You don't think that security theater put on by the TSA actually makes you safer do you? If so, I have a very nice bridge you might like.
It is indeed. You don't think that security theater put on by the TSA actually makes you safer do you? If so, I have a very nice bridge you might like.
Mar 28th, 2016, 08:21 AM
#151
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>>You don't think that security theater put on by the TSA actually makes you safer do you? If so, I have a very nice bridge you might like.<<
It might not make me as safe as it should, in proportion to the money spent. But I have no doubt it has a positive effect on security. (And the security apparatus isn't limited to just TSA.) Of course, we fall into the debate of trying to prove a negative: If nothing happens, does that mean they're doing a good job?
It might not make me as safe as it should, in proportion to the money spent. But I have no doubt it has a positive effect on security. (And the security apparatus isn't limited to just TSA.) Of course, we fall into the debate of trying to prove a negative: If nothing happens, does that mean they're doing a good job?
Mar 28th, 2016, 08:28 AM
#152
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Security theater?
I'm aware that TSA operatives testing security (with no threat of punishment) have been able to get things through security. It is a completely different thing when there are risks associated with bringing in the illegal items that manifests itself on the perp.
Remember the female border agent catching the guy trying to come in from Canada 10 years ago or so? The only thing that caused her to redouble her inspection was her sixth sense? She felt the guy was acting oddly (that no other agent saw) so they redoubled.
I think one must consider that since the heightened security post 911 then the shoe bomber adaptations, there have been no serious events. If anything, not only has the heightened security lessened the potential, but the other patrons have taken some of the security into their own hands . . .
Theater.
I'm aware that TSA operatives testing security (with no threat of punishment) have been able to get things through security. It is a completely different thing when there are risks associated with bringing in the illegal items that manifests itself on the perp.
Remember the female border agent catching the guy trying to come in from Canada 10 years ago or so? The only thing that caused her to redouble her inspection was her sixth sense? She felt the guy was acting oddly (that no other agent saw) so they redoubled.
I think one must consider that since the heightened security post 911 then the shoe bomber adaptations, there have been no serious events. If anything, not only has the heightened security lessened the potential, but the other patrons have taken some of the security into their own hands . . .
Theater.
Mar 28th, 2016, 08:36 AM
#153
It's not just TSA operatives getting things through security. Every time reporters have tried it they've been successful.
There is zero evidence that the old system of metal detectors is worse than the nude scanners. But installing them enriched the owners of certain companies.
There is zero evidence that the old system of metal detectors is worse than the nude scanners. But installing them enriched the owners of certain companies.
Mar 28th, 2016, 08:41 AM
#154
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We have 5 weeks scheduled this fall in Paris with a week in Istanbul afterwards. Our family is sure senility has set in but I am determined not to let terrorists decide my life. Anyway I live close to Houston where I worry more about my neighbors who have guns in nearly every vehicle on the highways. My neighbor was killed last year by another neighbor who thought he was a burglar knocking at her door. We are sensibly cautious when we travel. I have to admit I am ashamed of myself right now for thinking air fares may go down.
Mar 28th, 2016, 08:52 AM
#155
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Failure of intelligence is common. DUH! Only the "very very naive" will believe that intelligence officers in Europe, USA all over the world can prevent atrocious acts that kill people.
The Bataclan massacre was a massive failure in intelligence. 9/11 same thing.
This is not a perfect and rosy world where the authorities can follow each and every terrorist. Know their every move before any bombs go off.
That's why the authorities of these countries are upping the ante when it comes to visible tighter security.
This is the new normal. We have to live with it.
OP made the right decision for her family.
The Bataclan massacre was a massive failure in intelligence. 9/11 same thing.
This is not a perfect and rosy world where the authorities can follow each and every terrorist. Know their every move before any bombs go off.
That's why the authorities of these countries are upping the ante when it comes to visible tighter security.
This is the new normal. We have to live with it.
OP made the right decision for her family.
Mar 28th, 2016, 01:08 PM
#156
FFipzz on Mar 27, 16 at 10:45am
Can you elaborate more the security measures at Roma Termini and Napoli Centrale.
Sure.
At Napoli Centrale there were visibly more (armed) police monitoring/walking/riding golf carts around the areas where you wait to go down those binarios to get to the train--you know, where you watch the monitors for your bin # etc.
On the train from Nap to Roma Termini there was a quite mean-looking (in a good way) buff transport police officer who went back and forth through the trains--eyeing people and generally watching out.
Arriving at Roma Termini we had to get from the train (tickets checked on the way out, and a limited egress and entrance established) go buy tix for the Leonardo Express, then come back through a limited point of entry , get our tickets checked, then catch the LE train to the airport/FCO. We were only at Roma Termini briefly (long enough to get tix and get to right Bin.) so other than the limited entrances and exits and ticket checking not sure what else they are doing, but it has to be at least as much as at Naples IMO.
Can you elaborate more the security measures at Roma Termini and Napoli Centrale.
Sure.
At Napoli Centrale there were visibly more (armed) police monitoring/walking/riding golf carts around the areas where you wait to go down those binarios to get to the train--you know, where you watch the monitors for your bin # etc.
On the train from Nap to Roma Termini there was a quite mean-looking (in a good way) buff transport police officer who went back and forth through the trains--eyeing people and generally watching out.
Arriving at Roma Termini we had to get from the train (tickets checked on the way out, and a limited egress and entrance established) go buy tix for the Leonardo Express, then come back through a limited point of entry , get our tickets checked, then catch the LE train to the airport/FCO. We were only at Roma Termini briefly (long enough to get tix and get to right Bin.) so other than the limited entrances and exits and ticket checking not sure what else they are doing, but it has to be at least as much as at Naples IMO.
Mar 28th, 2016, 02:10 PM
#157
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I leave in 36 hours for Switzerland. Just checked the plane's seating chart...empty seat in front if me (no reclining into my lap), AND I have a 3-seat row all to myself! Don't know if they represent cancellations.
I personally will be a bit more nervous passing through Washington DC, than in Switzerland....
(but I DID make my sister promise that she'd take my dogs if I don't return home).
I personally will be a bit more nervous passing through Washington DC, than in Switzerland....
(but I DID make my sister promise that she'd take my dogs if I don't return home).
Mar 31st, 2016, 10:17 AM
#159
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Would love to be going to Paris this year but finances prevent me, not terror. Do plan on Lisbon in 2017 to start and ending up in London. I'm getting older and while I can still hobble, I will go! After 9/11 I got nervous about traveling and then slipped in my bathroom and almost knocked my head off. That did it for me. I'd rather die drinking wine in Paris versus toweling off in my own bathroom.
