Hi fellow travelers ! <BR><BR>I am a well traveled female and plan to travel (with another female) to Turkey with Pacha Tours (Super Value Western-- no SE Turkey travel) at the end of September. I have no problems adhering to local customs (such as a scarf) when necessary and ALWAYS show respect and courtesy to the local population. Factor in some luck, and I can state I've encountered few, if any, problems travelling abroad. I departed 9/15/01 enroute to Nepal &amp; Bhutan, and frankly, have little fear of being a victim of a terrorist attack (the chances of which IMHO are tantamount to winning the Power Ball lottery). <BR><BR>Now.... I'm getting a lot of flack about my proposed destination from concerned (albeit less travelled) friends. I'd usually ignore this, but must admit I too am concerned with the possibility of an 'opportunistic attack' from a splinter group(s). I'm not so worried about the pending war with Iraq (as in getting tangled up in any combat) as I am with the peripheral issues: the reception American's are getting these days from the local Turkish folks. The Turks may disagree with our polictics, but that's not always synonamous with a chilly or even hostile reception on a local level. I also need to factor in that much could occur between now and the end of September. <BR><BR>******** Anyone been recently? *********** <BR><BR>I'd love to visit this wonderful country! <BR>What's the current reception to Americans from these usually extremely warm &amp; hospitable people? <BR><BR>What's your take: should we still go? <BR><BR>Thanks everyone for your input! <BR><BR><BR>

I was there this summer but granted things have changed alot from summer to now. Everyone was so warm and welcoming partly because they are kind people and partly because they need our tourism $$. I would not hesitate to go again now, but I do know that alot of people would think I am crazy but none of those people have ever been to Turkey so they have a skewed impression of it.<BR>You are going on tour so I am sure it will be safe, if you ever feel uncomfortable then tell people you are canadian instead of American.

My only concern about Turkey this year is ,if there is a stoush in Iraq then Turkey is going to be flooded with refugees. Whilst they won't necessarily be staying in tourist areas(or sunning on the beaches) I think that they will place a heavy burden on all infrastructure within the country. I will be quite happy to be proved wrong !

Thanks for your responses.<BR> <BR>I feel compelled to caution against anyone thinking of using the &quot;I'm Canadian&quot; response tho.... <BR><BR>Telling that story (a familiar one no doubt) is one thing... Being found a liar WILL sharply increase your odds of suffering harm. Unlike the USA, lying is still carries the status of a more serious offense in other environs--- and even takes the form of an insult in this scenario. <BR><BR>Many of the folks seeking to do harm to others are well aware of the Canadian excuse and should you stumble as you try to spit out the names of the Provinces or can't name the last PM... you're toast.<BR><BR>I'd be careful with that. <BR><BR>Definitely agree with the skewed impression of Turkey tho.... Geeze! <BR>All the flack I'm getting just shows how much this wonderful country is so misunderstood. <BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR> <BR>

I will support that no lying theory. I observed a harried older couple in Kusadasi being harrassed by several men. They were screaming at those poor souls and chasing them down the street. I found out that a carpet salesman was trying to get them to look at carpets and this couple told him they had just bought one next door. The man went into that shop and found out that they hadn't, and they were screaming at them for telling lies!!! They can be pushy to sell you a carpet but never nasty when you firmly but politely refuse -- but telling them a lie is another matter.

Last Sept/Oct, I went solo for a month to Greece and Turkey and had no problems, but demonstrations and tensions certainly have ratcheted up since. While in Istanbul, Congress gave Bush the &quot;go ahead&quot; on Iraq, which elicited concern among the Turkish guys I meant who would be called up to military service and among those with families living in SE Turkey. As pointed out, massive work is underway in Iraqi border countries and in Kurdish areas to deal with the unknown numbers of refugees, but you won’t be near those areas.<BR><BR>Even back last year, I heard a lot of the same &quot;flack&quot; from friends and co-workers about Turkey. I don't think that the plummeting opinion polls against America's policy with Iraq and opposition to letting troops on Turkish bases necessarily equates to anti-Americanism. Perhaps someone who lives in Turkey can post a better answer to that question.<BR><BR>It's really about your comfort level and being a wise, thoughtful tourist (you sound okay on both aspects). If, closer to the time to leave, situations have worsened to the point you wouldn't be safe or even that you wouldn't enjoy your trip, then postpone.<BR>

The situation in Turkey for tourists is unchanged.Economics changed drastically and most talked issue is that. Politics is a different issue. You or me can't change the outcome and decisions. Weather we are against terrorism or war at the end of the day Iraq situation is a boiling issue.<BR><BR>Are we in Danger or are we worried ? Personally I do not see a danger within my country, yes we are worried for the lifes of the innocent people. No need to change your citizenship to visit Turkey. daily life is normal if you ignore the worries. Tourists will be even appreciated more. we need your opinions once you visited our country, we need the touristic income in this country and we need and want to share our culture, nature and historical heritages, thats all.<BR><BR>Hope you come to Turkey and hope you will spend a wonderful holiday in my country.<BR><BR>Murat &amp; Pinar reported this exclusively for you from cappadocia