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The US State Department just put out a travel alert for Europe 2 days ago, which prompted me to visit the scary recesses of my brain again. One of those scary thoughts that has arisen the last two years while I’ve been in Santiago for the Feast of St. James week is; what a potential target this would be. I surmise from the security that I’ve seen, that despite the loving camaraderie of fellow pilgrims and the community gathered, the same thought has crossed the minds of officials and security forces.
I’m hesitant about posting this but I know that we are a community of pilgrims that have always wished each other well in all things; safety being one of them. Last year after completing the Portuguese I was visiting Camino friends in Germany and we all talked openly about our concerns of going to a music festival that weekend given the events of the summer. We ultimately decided on attending and had a fantastic time, but we were all thankful that we had the discussion.
This year I will again arrive in Santiago during the festive week after completing the Norte/Primitivo and my wish is for everyone a safe journey.
Buen Camino,
Gary
When you share those scary recesses, some additional context should be included. It is wrong to suggest that this alert was a new status or warning. Reuters says "A State Department official said Monday's alert was not prompted by a specific threat, but rather recognition of the continuing risk of attacks especially ahead of the summer holidays." This alert replaces the previous expired alert.The US State Department just put out a travel alert for Europe 2 days ago, which prompted me to visit the scary recesses of my brain again.
When you share those scary recesses, some additional context should be included. It is wrong to suggest that this alert was a new status or warning. Reuters says "A State Department official said Monday's alert was not prompted by a specific threat, but rather recognition of the continuing risk of attacks especially ahead of the summer holidays." This alert replaces the previous expired alert.
This is an unfortunate fact of the world today, and we should all be aware of those risks. Many people prefer to stay near home, wherever that is (and safer or not). Others are willing to venture farther out. @RobertS26 has some good strategies, but I'd suggest that he change from "When in Europe" to "When travelling anywhere..." And, also, this advice applies to many national groups, not just those from the USA.
I think that the concern about looking too "American" isn't because of fear of the reaction of Spaniards, but the possibility that terrorists may especially like to target Americans.I,m a 57 years old Spanish man. NEVER in my whole life I,ve heard in Spain one single word against american people. People can differentiate between gpvernments actions and individual actions. You are not a specific target for being american,
I think that the concern about looking too "American" isn't because of fear of the reaction of Spaniards, but the possibility that terrorists may especially like to target Americans.
I agree but the fear is unfounded as this has not been the case in the more recent past.I think that the concern about looking too "American" isn't because of fear of the reaction of Spaniards, but the possibility that terrorists may especially like to target Americans.
According to Reuters, the previous alert expired in February, and this one will expire on Sept. 1. So it is not formally a "continuation of a previous alert", rather it is a new document for an ongoing situation that the authorities want their citizens to be aware of.I was not aware that this was a continuation of a previous alert
Thanks for putting it into perspective.I am feeling very safe. I would never limit my freedom. We all have to die once and this lies in God's hands.
Shall I somehow become a victim of terror, I at least can say "I have lived".
Source: http://www.datagraver.com/case/people-killed-by-terrorism-per-year-in-western-europe-1970-2015
I can understand your concerns about staying safe in Europe. Personally, I am somewhat sceptical about alerts from the US state department, as in addition to their stated purpose of warning people about potential threats overseas, the may also serve a political purpose at home, related to maintaining a certain level of fear, which may or may not align with the policy and populist objectives of particular politiciansor groups (This comment is not meant to be political, just offering an alternative view which might serve the purpose of helping you feel safer on the Camino, which I think is a good and realistic thing to feel when you're walking to Santiago). Coming from neither the US nor Europe, and having travelled extensively throughout the world, my own view is that you're probably more likely to be a victim of random gun violence or crime in the US than you are of terrorism in the Iberian peninsula, providing you take sensible precautions. I agree with the sentiments of @RobertS26 about taking sensible steps to reduce the extent to which you stick out in a crowd, no matter where you are travelling, however, I would suggest that at least when you're on Camino, its probably OK to smile at strangers!
Relax and enjoy your Camino. Whilst there is a lot of violence and hysteria of all forms in the media etc., I still firmly believe that that world is a good place, and the vast majority of people mean nobody else any harm at all...
And if you are very recognizable as a tourist, you may become a target for criminals in general but that's a different story.
It is?Unfortunately, it's an American thing- you think everyone is out to get you!
It's a bit of a strange perspective, though. I did not click on data details but I'm old enough to remember IRA, ETA, RAF etc. The risk assessment now is quite different from then.Thanks for putting it into perspective.
Agreed.This thread sucks and is pointless.
This thread sucks and is pointless.
Seems like worldwide terrorism is here to stay. If that scares anyone, I suggest they just stay home and not travel overseas. Personally, it doesn't scare me. I'm not going to let it negatively effect my life and let the bad guys accomplish their objective.
Besides, I might look good in orange coveralls with a desert background on my youtube debut as the bad guys parade me around.....
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