How safe is an 'American in Paris' these days?

[Bobbieo]

I have a friend who is going to Europe this month for a three-week vacation and I'm concerned about her welfare with the current ME situation.

[paparush]

1. We're going to Morocco and Spain in November...

[GrumpyGreg]

2. She'll be fine !

[Kutjara]

3. Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much.

I lived in London, Paris and Madrid for the better part of twenty years, during times when being an American was almost as unpopular as it is now. The risk to American travelers is not significant and, as long as you take the usual precautions that anyone should take when traveling in an unfamiliar place (where here or abroad), such as knowing what neighborhoods are safe, not looking conspicuously wealthy, only using licensed taxis etc., you'll be as safe as you are at home (probably a bit safer, given the generally lower violent crime statistics in many parts of Europe).

[Bobbieo]

4. Thank you posters - You've relieved my mind.

[MercutioATC]

5. I have a friend at work who went a couple of weeks ago.

She had a great time. No problems.

[greatauntoftriplets]

6. She should take normal big-city precautions.

My relatives in Luxembourg always advise me to avoid the Rue St. Denis.

[marmar]

11. Rue St-Denis is sleazy...

but in a rather harmless way.

[greatauntoftriplets]

13. Yeah, it's where many hookers hang out...

Most of my Luxembourgisch relatives attended the Universite de Paris and so they visit quite often. I was staying far from that area and had no reason to go there.

[HongKonger]

7. that's ridiculous

The enemy lurks.... (shall I do it with a Jon Stewart accent?).

If your friend meets anyone who wants to give her a hard time because she's American... then they are not worth talking too.

I know more than one Canadian traveller who ripped off the flag from the pack to experience prejudicial, and unfair labelling due to an accent or a perceived way of life - only to be shoot down european thinheads for their own ignorance.

The key is - just find people who you can relate too, fuck politics, and have a good time. There is more to the world than DU.

Much more.

Europe is brilliant. It's great, it's wonderful, and you will meet wonderful people. They may challenge you on the Bush administration... but as a liberal - they will take you in.

It's funny a centrist like Clinton is considered a Right Winger in Europe.

Anyway...

It's pretty simple, you will meet people from all walks of life... one thing you will notice in Europe - is, people are taken care of. They take care of people. The care for people. These people have lived for hundreds, in some cases, thousands of years... where their children are born today.

Enjoy that. Respect that. And they will respect you. American or not.

Drink wine, be merry, smell the air, taste the olives, cherish the sun, feel the Med, touch the sky.

RK.

[marmar]

8. More than fine...

Paris is one of the most enlightened, civilized places on the planet. No matter what quibbles they have with U.S. or Israeli foreign policy, there's little chance it will be directed at a tourist. I was there in March, obviously before of this, and as usual felt like I was in a home away from home. I love that city with all my heart.

[marmar]

9. Dupe.

Stupid Mac.

[MisoWeaver]

10. Just got back last week on business

Things are very nice.

You can't really count on what the MSM tells you or paints.

[Skittles]

12. if she doesn't behave like an arrogant a**hole she will be fine

I find that Europeans are more curious about Americans than outright dislike us

[Selatius]

14. If you are a Bush supporter, don't wear your support on your sleeve like..

a Nazi goose-stepping moron wears the swastika on his sleeve. Of course, if your friend is a Bush supporter, I wouldn't recommend your friend leave the country anyway, but I'm not saying this person is as opposed to if.

:sarcasm:

[Briar]

15. A lot safer

than the Brit in Florida who got lost trying to find his hotel, knocked on a door to ask for directions, and was shot dead for his pains.

Just don't ask for freedom fries.