Help me remain calm........

[Becky13347]

For all of you more level-headed people than I am, I need some calming thoughts as we travel to the Olympics next week. In general I have always been a little nervous about flying since we had children and international travel since 9/11.

Now we are travelling to the Olympics (exciting but will feel better when we get there, but even then I worry about venue security) and this news breaks about the Europeans and distasteful cartoons about Islam. The Muslims are understandably upset. But those crazy extremists worry me. Ahhhhhhhhh!

Please tell me how ridiculous I am being. :rolleyes:

[Angelina]

You'll be fine. I live a stone's throw away from JFK Airport in NYC and at each given moment I can look up into the sky and see about a dozen planes at various stages of landing and takeoff. Never saw one come down. I can't even imagine how many planes every day go where they have to go safely and with lots peanuts on board!

As far as security in Italy, they are so used to terrorists you will see cops with machine guns at every corner. It all started in the 70's with the Red Brigades, and the security was never relaxed.

Have a wonderful time and say hello to Italy for me. :)

Angela

[Dfen911]

I hate flying. But I refuse to give in to my fear and not travel. DH and I are going to Rome in April and I'm terrified. Not so much about terrorists, but about the big metal tube floating thru the sky :)

Insofar as security, to be honest, I think the European countries have more security than we do. And they've had it for a lot longer and have trained for "events" a lot longer.

Drinks LOTS of water. Take Airborne and ginger tablets and you will do GREAT!! Have fun and if you get to Rome leave me a message for when I arrive :)

[Ms. Chevious]

Please tell me how ridiculous I am being. :rolleyes:

You're not being ridiculous at all. Now let me send you my address so you can send me your tickets.

[colleency]

It'll be great!!! Make sure you have someone to talk to and to hold your hand inflight.

[inthekitchen]

Don't worry!

I was in Rome after the london bombings, when many speculated Rome may be the next target. You wouldn't believe the police/secret service presence in the city at the time. I think the italians, because of their history of protecting all their cultural landmarks (coloseum, forum, art, etc, etc) are more prepared than one may think.

[KimE]

Don't worry and have a great time. We went to London/Portugal just 6 months after 9/11 and had a wonderful time.
They are trained and have the awareness that the US did and still at times do not have. It will be OK :D

Kim E

[GingerPow]

You'll feel much better when you are in the airport in Rome (Leonardo Di Vinci Airport was where we arrived & departed) --- look up at the guards holding machine guns.

We were just there in November, loved it! What a wonderful time we had, you will too! Think about this - everyone is on alert these days. It seems safer to travel post 9/11, than before when we were living in the illusion of security.

Just remember to bring diversions for the flight. There are movies on the plane, but I found my knitting to be helpful in keeping from being bored. A little bit of Unisom & a glass of wine didn't hurt to pass the time either.

Have fun!

[jmarie]

I think you are extremely blessed to be able to go on this trip! My daughter loves Italy...wishes she could live there. I have never been, but am absulutely sure that you are going to have a lovely time! I SO envy you!
Joyce

[honeygirl1971]

I would NOT worry about security! Italy, France, and other Euro countries are all very experienced in security, and I know that was a factor in even choosing Turin as an Olympic site. Like everyone said, bring distractions for the flight, and be prepared for crowds, traffic, etc. And have fun!! :D

[SamanthaD]

I don't like to fly much, but I do find that Valium or Ativan help ALOT.

Seriously... it takes the edge off of my anxiety. Can you get someone to write an RX for you?

[Becky13347]

Thanks for all the happy words. We are so excited for the trip. Certainly a once in a lifetime as far as the Olympics go.

You are great!

[Chefzhat]

How fun for you! You'll be fine - Torino will most likely be the safest place on earth.

Take lots of pics!!!!!

Safe travels,
Debie

[Peggy]

We were in different parts of Italy for 3 1/2 weeks last summer and I felt very safe. Lots of police presence on street corners. I'm sure it will be even more secure since they are hosting the Olympics. Have a wonderful time!

Peggy

[HejazSunKat]

For all of you more level-headed people than I am, I need some calming thoughts as we travel to the Olympics next week. In general I have always been a little nervous about flying since we had children and international travel since 9/11.

Now we are travelling to the Olympics (exciting but will feel better when we get there, but even then I worry about venue security) and this news breaks about the Europeans and distasteful cartoons about Islam. The Muslims are understandably upset. But those crazy extremists worry me. Ahhhhhhhhh!

Please tell me how ridiculous I am being. :rolleyes:

Frankly, I think international travel is far more enjoyable than domestic these days. Most international airports are well practiced in security procedures. Terrorism didn't start with 9/11 - many European countries have, unfortunately, already had experience in dealing with their own home grown brand of whackos over the years so they know the drill better than we do. They really don't brook any crap from people going through security. What with all the airlines in the US having financial troubles you're lucky if you get a drink of water from some surly flight attendant who's pissed off over taking her 4th pay cut (justifiably so but they kind of give the lie to "We love to fly and it shows" :D ) so I'd much rather travel internationally nowadays - given the chance, that is! Statistically speaking your chances of being involved in a terrorist incident are probably slim to none. As for Muslims irate over cartoons depicting the Prophet (PBUH) the news account I read today had those crowds protesting outside of embassies in various European countries. Why would they be protesting at the Olympics? Stop worrying, go and have a good time.