Yes, yes, and yes! I'm currently living in Poland & I usually feel safer here than I did while living near Seattle. I traveled to 10 countries last summer and didn't experience any danger - not because it doesn't exist, but because I'm aware of my surroundings, respectful of my host countries, and open to cultural differences.
I love it! This is my 3rd time living here - first was 2 years in the mid-90s with Peace Corps, again for 4 years in the early 2000s, and I came back last September. I'm hoping to stay long-term this time.
As usual, you've hit the nail on the head. Your life isn't worth anything if you imagining the worst. Obv you find out where the dodgy parts are, but people on the whole aren't out to get you! If they have time they're worth time because they want to help you.
P.s. Don't know why, but I have a wonderful memory. 70's, my BA crew are in JBG. Booked into a hotel, not really up to our usual standard. Showered, changed, met up at the foyer, stepped out in the evening lights.
We all as one were concerned. Our captain said 'Get back in' !
Further fwd to 2004. An old stewardess friend and husband travelling around stayed with us in Eastern Cape, after JBG. Sue had asked the taxi driver on their recce around the city to find the hotel BA crew were staying in. Apparently it was in the red light district (pausing for me to collapse laughing as Sue relates). The Red Cap/manager at the airport arranged to change crews' accomodation to a relative's rent-by-the-hour hotel!!!! Explained it all!!!
Amen and amen. This world traveler endorses your message wholeheartedly. We have explored places colored an ominous red on the U.S. State Department advisory map, and met the most hospitable people.
One set of three middle aged sisters, each of them living in a different city, hosted us at their three separate homes--invited us to stay with them, fed us, played tour guide to show us around, introduced us to their friends.
While at the home of one of the sisters, I asked if I could take a shower, as promised earlier. After receiving instruction about where to find towels and how to operate the hot water (all in Spanish, with my little brain processing as fast as it could), she stopped to scold me. Scold me! Apparently, I was walking too softly, too cautiously. She admonished me to use confident footsteps in her home, since it was my home as well.
It reflects who you are. I live in a city that receives thousands of people from all over the world. I have no reason to believe that these people would receive me any differently than the way I receive them here in my home. There’s always more kindness than we imagine.
I'm reminded of a conversation I had several years ago with a coworker who was originally from Iran. This was during the "Arab Spring" when protesters were filling the streets. I asked what life was really like in Iran, as she had recently visited. Her response was rather surprising, because she said "If you are not in the city, or involved with the government, life is beautiful." As you noted, people are simply going about their lives, going to work, preparing meals, etc. What a contrast to what we see on the "news".
I travelled to Pakistan with a small group last September (I’m in the UK) everyone’s reaction before I went was as you described- why would you want to go there, it’s so dangerous. It was wonderful, i dressed and behaved appropriately and never felt unsafe even when walking around by myself. People were friendly & helpful and interested in why we had travelled to Pakistan. Would 100% recommend
Stacy, you are so right. On my last European trip a month ago, I was all, “what if I see ICE violence in the airport? What if there’s not enough jet fuel to get me home? What if I’m hated as an American while I’m overseas? And on and on…all these fears proved to be groundless. I had a fabulous time, with zero issues. I hope anyone hesitating about travel reads your wise advice and overcomes the fear.
Yes, yes, and yes! I'm currently living in Poland & I usually feel safer here than I did while living near Seattle. I traveled to 10 countries last summer and didn't experience any danger - not because it doesn't exist, but because I'm aware of my surroundings, respectful of my host countries, and open to cultural differences.
Exactly! I’m curious how you’re enjoying living in Poland?
I love it! This is my 3rd time living here - first was 2 years in the mid-90s with Peace Corps, again for 4 years in the early 2000s, and I came back last September. I'm hoping to stay long-term this time.
As usual, you've hit the nail on the head. Your life isn't worth anything if you imagining the worst. Obv you find out where the dodgy parts are, but people on the whole aren't out to get you! If they have time they're worth time because they want to help you.
P.s. Don't know why, but I have a wonderful memory. 70's, my BA crew are in JBG. Booked into a hotel, not really up to our usual standard. Showered, changed, met up at the foyer, stepped out in the evening lights.
We all as one were concerned. Our captain said 'Get back in' !
Further fwd to 2004. An old stewardess friend and husband travelling around stayed with us in Eastern Cape, after JBG. Sue had asked the taxi driver on their recce around the city to find the hotel BA crew were staying in. Apparently it was in the red light district (pausing for me to collapse laughing as Sue relates). The Red Cap/manager at the airport arranged to change crews' accomodation to a relative's rent-by-the-hour hotel!!!! Explained it all!!!
Exactly! And the fact that so few Americans have passports may not be coincidental.
Agree, thanks for writing!
I agree with everything you said especially the part about watching the news in fear,or buying a plane ticket !
Amen and amen. This world traveler endorses your message wholeheartedly. We have explored places colored an ominous red on the U.S. State Department advisory map, and met the most hospitable people.
One set of three middle aged sisters, each of them living in a different city, hosted us at their three separate homes--invited us to stay with them, fed us, played tour guide to show us around, introduced us to their friends.
While at the home of one of the sisters, I asked if I could take a shower, as promised earlier. After receiving instruction about where to find towels and how to operate the hot water (all in Spanish, with my little brain processing as fast as it could), she stopped to scold me. Scold me! Apparently, I was walking too softly, too cautiously. She admonished me to use confident footsteps in her home, since it was my home as well.
It reflects who you are. I live in a city that receives thousands of people from all over the world. I have no reason to believe that these people would receive me any differently than the way I receive them here in my home. There’s always more kindness than we imagine.
I'm reminded of a conversation I had several years ago with a coworker who was originally from Iran. This was during the "Arab Spring" when protesters were filling the streets. I asked what life was really like in Iran, as she had recently visited. Her response was rather surprising, because she said "If you are not in the city, or involved with the government, life is beautiful." As you noted, people are simply going about their lives, going to work, preparing meals, etc. What a contrast to what we see on the "news".
Travelling is one of the best educations. You see/meet others that are similar yet different.
Planning a trip to Iraq next March!
I would absolutely love to visit Iraq!
I travelled to Pakistan with a small group last September (I’m in the UK) everyone’s reaction before I went was as you described- why would you want to go there, it’s so dangerous. It was wonderful, i dressed and behaved appropriately and never felt unsafe even when walking around by myself. People were friendly & helpful and interested in why we had travelled to Pakistan. Would 100% recommend
This is so terrific to hear and I really appreciate you sharing your experience!
Stacy, you are so right. On my last European trip a month ago, I was all, “what if I see ICE violence in the airport? What if there’s not enough jet fuel to get me home? What if I’m hated as an American while I’m overseas? And on and on…all these fears proved to be groundless. I had a fabulous time, with zero issues. I hope anyone hesitating about travel reads your wise advice and overcomes the fear.
Thanks so much for sharing this - and I'm so glad that you had a wonderful time!
Thank you! And I apologize for misspelling your name in my reply.
LOL - don't worry about that - you can't believe the way my name gets spelled and what I get called. It's all good!
Because I have no other words to describe how wonderful this post is, I will just say, simply and from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Thank you so much!!