jaegan

I'm now tense about my April trip to Paris with my daughter (13 year old). We leave from Newark w/ stopovers in London and Washington D.C. on the way home. I have been reading these threads and hearing about mistreatment of Americans in Paris. While I won't walk around draped in an American flag; I also won't pretend I'm anything else but American. My daughter and I have different views on the current situation and I told her that I don't intend on discussing politics in a foriegn country and expect the same from her. We are of different opinions. Our household is split - my son (16) and I feel Bush is doing what has to be done while my husband and daughter feel differently. If there have actually been negative experiences it would be better if people were more specific and not just repeating gossip or rumor.

mariacallas

I just got back from Paris with a 10 and 13 yr old. Given the political situation right now, I would definitely cancel a trip to Paris.

ira

Hi,
I wouldn't be disturbed by generalizations of fear and worry. You are no more likely to have difficulty in Paris in April than you would have at any other time.

To many Europeans political argument is a form of entertainment. Stick with your plan, don't discuss politics in a foreign country.

RNC

Mariacallas...WHY? Were you treated poorly?

ira

Hi RNC,
Mariacallas didn't say she was treated poorly, she is just advising cancelling because of the political situation at the moment.

RNC

Ira..I'm aware of that. Just curious if anything happened while she was there.

ira

Hi RNC,
My error. Missed the "?" after "Why".

kismetchimera

Jagean I dont blame you..I will be tense and worried also about going to Europe in this uncertain time...But if you go I am certain that the people will treat you fairly ..it is not our faute what the government does.. I am scheduled to go with my daughter and 11 years old grandaughter in june, and I hope that by then things will be quieter.Also if someones wants to discuss politic with you, just smile and tell them that you are in vacation and you never mix pleasure with politic. Good luck and bonne Chance...

mariacallas

I was treated with the same kindness as always. I went to Paris when there were car bombings on progress - I'm not too cautious. However, given the present times I would definitely cancel an April trip to Paris.

elaine

jaegan
If you don't want to discuss politics while on your trip, then don't.
But don't fear mistreatment by the French. There are idiots in every country, but there is no reason to fear mistreatment or harrassment from the average French person. For one thing, tourism is already hurting. For another, most of them are just as capable as we are at separating government policies from the individual.

Enjoy your trip.

Thyra

Just back from Paris and had a wonderful time. No one bothered us about anything. Stay polite and away from conversations about war. Sad to say it, but if we had to stay away from every country where the population didn't agree with our Government's choices it would be a small world indeed. Frankly I felt much more resentment toward the American government in London then in Paris, but fortunatly most people are capable of knowing the difference between government policy and and individual. 99% of the time you are judged by your behavior.

chaton

Elaine, maybe that's exactly why people are afraid -- reading some of the postings, it doesn't seem that some very vocal Americans are able to differentiate between government policy and individual.

Francie

Jaegan,

Below are measures to take to help minimize your risks of traveling abroad given the world situation as published today:

(1)Bring at least one extra copy of your legal and travel documents and credit cards -- and leave a copy at home in case they are lost or stolen.(2)Make sure to have extra cash in case of emergencies. (3)Avoid large groups of Americans in overseas airports, as they could be a target for terrorists. (4)Book flights as early in the day as possible: They are less likely to be canceled than later ones. (5) Keep a low profile and stay abreast of U.S. State Department warnings before and during your trip.
Continental said today that they are dramatically scaling back flights to Europe from its hubs in Newark, Houston and Cleveland.

Stay safe.

ThinGorjus

Put a beret on your kid and wrap an Hermes scarf around her neck. Walk around saying things like, "Et Alors," or, "Mon Dieu." Sneer at waiters. Drink Chateau Y'quem for breakfast, accompanied by a pack of Galoise cigarettes. If this fails, put on a giant sweatshirt with a maple leaf on the front and tell everyone you are Canadian. Eh?????

Keith

This article in yesterday's China Post interviews several American tourists and says they are not having a problem in France: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/detail.asp?onNews=1&GRP=A&id=18262

Keith

AprilA

JMHO but I would not spend my money in France. There are too many wonderful places on earth to see and experience. I would wait till France *likes(needs) us again*. For now I would take my children to a place who supports the USA. As I said this is JMHO.

Cicerone

Then she can go to the UK, Spain and Australia. That is about it for countries which support us.

While you have the right to boycott France, they certainly also have the right to hold their own view. That is supposed to be one of the principles of democracy: toleration for others views even if you personally do not agree with them.

JMHO, but the arguement that France has a commerical interest in support Iraq, while still being able to argue that somehow the US does not have a commerical interest in wanting to see the regime destroyed is very naiive.