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Post by emily on Mar 19, 2003 1:57:34 GMT -5
(i saw the other post about war worries earlier...) i'll be leaving for england and france in may....i've got a few butterflies right now because of the impending war....as a female traveler, there are already some concerns from my family, but as an american female, should i be worried? i don't think england will cause me any troubles, but seeing as the french and the US are not quite agreeing, im just not sure if that will cause me any problems as an american traveler..... and also, should i be thinking about canceling or postponing my trip...does anyone have any thoughts on this? im not a worry wart haha, just want to get advice and opinions =) thanks, emily www.mp3.com/oyanojesusfrke.tripod.com |
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Post by LHR02 on Mar 19, 2003 6:58:35 GMT -5
Hi Emily, Even 10 days ago I would have posted to go, have fun, and try not to worry, things will be fine. Now? I still say go....but with a few more reservations than I would have ever guessed I'd have.  Not from the 'war' side of it, I honestly think the actual war will be over in the blink of an eye. But from the American side of it I would be concerned. I agree with you, in England there should be no trouble at all, but France? I have to suggest that you maintain a very low profile there and keep your american status as un-obvious (is that a word?) as you can. Not that they won't spot you immediately, but no need to flaunt it. I don't need to tell you there is a HUGE anti-French thing going on here right now and you have to assume there is a twin anti-American feeling going on over there??? I have to be honest and say I would leave today to go travel many places without a care. Obviously I would not head towards the middle east, nor would I dream of heading to France. Just my opinion.......be sure please and post to the board if you can and let us know what sort of reception you encounter will you? I for one will be really interested in hearing what you find. ging |
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emily
Senior Travel Member
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Post by emily on Mar 19, 2003 12:41:59 GMT -5
ging,
i will be sure to let yall know how things go over in paris....i am somewhat curious to find out.....i talked to some french girls when i was there last year, and they thought i was australian...they cant really tell accents apart (or at least thats what they said..)so im guessing other than the customs passport checks, no one has to know i'm american. haha.
also, i'm taking the eurostar from london to paris...this may be a stupid question...but is it just like getting off an airplane and going through customs....because i know taking the train from country to country in europe, they never did ask for our passports except for ticket identification.....
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Post by me on Mar 19, 2003 16:13:57 GMT -5
Em,
it is my understanding that, because UK isn't part of Schengen, there are still passport checks between UK & the rest of EU.
- d
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Post by Mike M on Mar 22, 2003 12:13:49 GMT -5
To all,
I took a look at the board for the first time in a while. I am currently studying in Rome.
I thought I'd update all of you on what it's like over here.
People here are against the war, plain and simple. But in my experience most of the demonstrations have been anti-war and anti-Bush and not necessarily anti-american, although there has been a little more of that in the air as of late. I have to say though, most people in Europe have been nothing but pleasant and accomodating to me since I've been here. That includes in Munich, Paris, and all of Italy. Obviously things are different now, but I would recommend that none of you put off traveling to Europe because of concerns. I don't have any plans to put off any of my traveling.
Just be careful of where you are going and how you present yourself. Most likely people will spot you as a tourist from a mile away, and immediately when you atlk to them, but be courteous and in my experience people will be helpful.
In the cities (london, paris, rome, etc.) the people are used to tourists and foreigers, and another american in town will be nothing new and most likely draw no attention.
Just Don't be the ugly american who is loud, obnoxious, and unaware of other cultures.
There's a good chance you may run into a demonstration somewhere- just make your way around it in whatever manner you think best, avoiding it would be my best suggestion.
My main advice cannot be any simpler- just be careful and you'll be fine.
The state dep. has an email newsletter on travel updates, it's not really too helpful, but sign yourself up for it. They will update you on cities that have major demonstrations planned. (it'll probably be most of them now)
Happy travels to all of you thinking of coming over here.
Hopefully this whole thing will resolve itself in a way beneficial to all somehting soon.
Ciao.
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Post by Kim on Mar 22, 2003 15:24:37 GMT -5
Hi Mike,
Thanks for posting that update, that is really helpful. Would really appreciate you keeping us updated whenever you can.
Thanks!
Kim
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emily
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 61
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Post by emily on Mar 23, 2003 1:20:02 GMT -5
yes, thanks very much for your post Mike!! much appreciated! i would hope that they won't shun us from visiting their countries......tourism is a major contribution to their economy...like us or hate us, we're there for their benefit for the most part i guess...=) ;D
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Post by miriamstr on Mar 23, 2003 11:14:07 GMT -5
i just took thetrain frrm paris to london this morning. yes they check passports and yor bags go thru xrays. i waas in paris for 4 days and witnessed a huge demonstration they acyally closed off the champs elysee if ta tells you anything. people booed extra loud as they passed mcdonanldds but i wuld say yoou are save there but like any other time dont be rude, and dont discuss politics. most anti american stuf was anti war and anti bush not anything personal. have fun
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Not from the 'war' side of it, I honestly think the actual war will be over in the blink of an eye. But from the American side of it I would be concerned. I agree with you, in England there should be no trouble at all, but France? I have to suggest that you maintain a very low profile there and keep your american status as un-obvious (is that a word?) as you can. Not that they won't spot you immediately, but no need to flaunt it. I don't need to tell you there is a HUGE anti-French thing going on here right now and you have to assume there is a twin anti-American feeling going on over there??? I have to be honest and say I would leave today to go travel many places without a care. Obviously I would not head towards the middle east, nor would I dream of heading to France. Just my opinion.......be sure please and post to the board if you can and let us know what sort of reception you encounter will you? I for one will be really interested in hearing what you find.
