I haven't seen anything about this anywhere so I will ask the question - we have made plans to travel to Germany (first trip to Europe I might add) at the end of May. With the air strikes going on in Kosivo, should we continue making plans? <BR> <BR>What effect will this have on my plane tickets? <BR> <BR>I realize that this sounds VERY childish and insensitive, but I need to know. Could someone that travels frequently under these circumstances write and reassure me?

Nancy, <BR>your concerns are very valid.I have the same one.The situation is very unstable and it sounds like it's getting worse. <BR>It's too early to say what things will be like in May. <BR>I think in acts of war you can get the money back on the plane tickets. <BR>I hope things are going to be alright.I feel quite frightened right now !

Nancy: We are going to Germany in late May, also. I will continue to plan on it just as I have for these past months. <BR> <BR>I understand this situation is ultra-sensitive and even though it could end tomorrow, it also could escalate. This situation with Kosovo, with Macedonia being uneasy, makes for some unpleasant thoughts. I pray that a peaceful resolution is found very soon. <BR> <BR>I am planning on going and will continue to do so. <BR> <BR>Here's to peace! Here's to our (collectively) trip! <BR> <BR>

Nancy: <BR> <BR>In light of this century's history of European turmoil, I also find what's happening a bit unsettling. These conflagrations seem to have a propensity for turning into world wars. I realize it's the Americans who may be escalating the situation, but we just shouldn't sit on our hands while "ethnic cleansing" is underway. <BR>Can we get some feedback from our contributors across the Atlantic? What's the western European take on all this? You're not gonna tear up the place again, are ya? <BR>

Robin, what a moronic way to end a posting. I expected more from you. <BR> <BR>Wake up and smell the CKOne. This problem has been brewing since the end of WWII. Yugoslavia, much like Britain, didn't really exist. One large country trying to expand over smaller, weaker ones. Kossovo wants independance, which is perfectly natural. The Serbs must realise this. <BR> <BR>I am the last person who wants to preach to anyone else BUT don't make offensive remarks about 'tearing somewhere up'.

Nancy, <BR> <BR>Your concerns are valid, but to be honest, I can't se the Yugoslavian air strikes affecting Germany. I wouldn't advise travelling to Yugoslavia during your trip, but the trouble there is more or less contained. Monitor the situation, but you shouldn't have a problem

Two things going on: <BR>1) Nancy, we went to Northern Ireland right after the truce was broken, and had no trouble. We went to France during Desert Storm...no problems. Unless full-scale war erupts in western Europe, you'll be okay in Germany. <BR>2) In 1389, a Turkish army defeated the Serbs in Kosovo. That battlefield and the monasteries in the area are STILL considered hallowed ground by the Serbs. <BR>That area, being controlled by their age-old enemies, the Albanians, is anathema to them. Do I condone their actions? No, but I also don't quickly dismiss their beliefs and history with "Kosovo wants independence which is perfectly natural. The Serbs should realize this". The Irish don't want the English on THEIR soil; the Scots are starting to bristle at the English, too. The Quebecers want to separate from English-speaking Canada. There should be a way to compromise in all of these situations, but deep-seated, long-festering ethnic/social/cultural/ religious differences aren't so easily quelled. Memories of injustices are carried by the group psyche for generations. There are no quick solutions, except, of course, to bomb the stuffing out of them....right?

FYI Elvira: It's Quebecois. <BR> <BR>Tony: Must you always be so negative?

Tony, Tony, Tony: <BR> <BR>Need I remind you that these "troubles" have been brewing ALOT longer than the end of World War II. As outlined by Elvira above, the animosities have gone on for centuries. And as for my comment, "tearing the place up", well, I call is as I see it. May I point out that only 10 years ago (apologize if my timing is off) that Sarajevo was the site of the Olympics! And now the place is a shambles. <BR>If I may take a truly moronic moment, I will quote Rodney King, "Why can't we all get along?"

Thank you all for your input and reassurance. I feel so low thinking of myself & my trip during a time when so many other people are going through such trying times. We have been planning this trip for a long time though. <BR> <BR>My sister is in the service in Germany & they have had to update their "evacuation plans" for their children. The are on a low priority alert right now, which I guess just makes sense. <BR>

The same concern has crossed my mind. I am planning a trip to Italy the end of May. My tickets are bought etc. Italy is obviously alot closer to the situation. Does anyone have any insight or opinions about that area. I believe that as long as the war is "contained" I shouldn't be concerned but you never know from day to day what may happen. Does anyone know exactly where in Italy the Air bases are that the U.S. and NATO planes are taking off from ?

Hey guys, I'm leaving on the 31st of this month for Frankfurt (from hongkong) and then flying to Prague. Then 10 days later from Prague to F'furt back to HK.Any thoughts? <BR>

I visited Italy while the Bosnian conflict was going on (still is) and the only impact observed was the unusual number of (apparently) refugees on the streets of Rome (I asked a store keeper and that's what he told me). The American bases in Aviano, Italy are been used as launching pads for some of the air strikes. Therefore, I would be cautious to visit the Mediterranean Region. I don't believe Germany will be affected (at least not yet). For more and better information, contact the State Department. <BR> <BR>Robyn, the only thing moronic about Rodney King's statement is you mis-quoting him.

Joe , negative ? <BR> <BR>I see little positive in war.

Joe , negative ? <BR> <BR>I see little positive in war.

Joe is right, the formal name for the inhabitants of Quebec is Quebecois (or Qebecoise for the distaff side). <BR>Those of us who migrated to the U.S. a couple of generations ago have gotten a little slangy with it and call ourselves Quebecers (pronounced kay BECK errs). <BR>I'll have to remember my audience.