topic Re: A Dream on Hold in Community Chat

A Dream on Hold

Plaid Pants2 — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 02:43:36 GMT

I have always dreamed of visiting Scotland, the home of my ancient ancestors.

But now, that dream is on hold.

I wouldn't feel safe. I would be scared to go out and do anything, eat, visit sites, shop, etc.

I would be so busy trying to keep my eye on everyone, that I wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy myself.

I admit it. I'm scared to travel overseas.

I know, I know, when you let fear rule your life, the terrorists win. I've said that myself.

I have to be practical and realistic when it comes to my personal safety.

If governments are saying that they are concerned that more attacks are immanent, that there will be more bombings in the near future, then I, or anyone going over to Europe, would have to take that possibility in to serious consideration.

Yes, I know, I could die tomorrow in a violent way, but I would still feel safer here, than there.

I am afraid that it will get worse, much, much worse, before it ever starts to get better.

When I dreamed of visiting Scotland, I saw myself being footloose and fancy free, having the time of my life.

Now, that dream is on hold, and I wonder, will I ever get over there in my lifetime?

Sory for rambling, but these are just some thoughts that I've had on my mind lately.

Re: A Dream on Hold

Lila Belle — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 02:46:43 GMT

YOLO ! Go for it !

You'll love Scotland and the people.

Re: A Dream on Hold

Justice4all — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 02:47:35 GMT

I think Scotland would be an unlikely target.

Re: A Dream on Hold

MaggieMack — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 02:49:24 GMT

@Plaid Pants2, I understand. My dream place to go would be Scotland, too, but I don't even want to fly domestically these days. There was a young, married, American couple at the Brussels airport, and last I heard they are missing. As well as two sisters. Where are they?

If if you want a great Scotland experience, read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Very satisfying!

Re: A Dream on Hold

GrailSeeker — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 02:49:33 GMT

My nephew, his wife, and 4 children spent a year in Scotland, 2014 - 15. He was studying at a university there. They loved it so much, they hated to come back. All without incident. I know how you feel, though.

Re: A Dream on Hold

Irshgrl31201 — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 02:53:02 GMT

It certainly is your perogative to not travel at this point.

There would be many places in their world where traveling there would give me pause but Scotland is not one of them.

You are much more likely to die here in a shooting statistically than you would ever be there even considering radical Islam happenings as of late. I say that as a huge proponent of the second amendment because when you look at statistics on gun crimes, the majority are committed not by legal gun owners but by gangs who most certainly use illegally and obtained illegally. That is just a fact.

Having said all of that, you should do what you feel comfortable with but knowing the facts, I would not feel at all uncomfortable traveling to Scotland because you are much more likely to be shot here or just the victim of a violent crime here.

Re: A Dream on Hold

Chrystaltree2 — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 03:12:43 GMT

The Twin Towers, The Boston Marathon bombing, San Bernardino. All here in the US. If you choose not to travel overseas, that's your choice but don't delude yourself into thinking you are risk free here. I choose to live my life, I will not cower in fear and deprive myself of doing what I want to do and going where I want to go. For us, that will be London in August. It is one of our favorite cities.

Re: A Dream on Hold

Nancy Drew — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 03:16:27 GMT

I would go. Like someone already said the JV team is already here.

Re: A Dream on Hold

ROMARY — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 03:24:06 GMT

We have to do (or not do) what is comfortable for us. 'No use' traveling and feeling uneasy while there. Just follow our intuition. Always worked for me.

Re: A Dream on Hold

StillFuntoShop — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 03:31:38 GMT

Gosh, I really feel your pain. What to do with what some commentators are calling "the new normal" in our world?

Would you be traveling with a youngster? This might affect my decision. In 1989 I took a trip to Ireland when I was single. Trip of a lifetime. Now I want to bring my son someday, who is almost 10. Silly dreamer me keeps hoping we can go back to the times when even though of course terrorism existed, we didn't have the technology, the networks, etc., that they seem to engage today.

How to enjoy a trip when these fears plague us?

You've really made me think about this and I have enjoyed reading the responses.

Might a conversation with a spiritual advisor - priest, pastor, rabbi, etc. help? I was thinking of trying that... 🌈

Re: A Dream on Hold

ladyroxanne — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 04:04:18 GMT

i've been to scotland several years ago before all this terrorism started. it is part of my heritage and i'm so happy that i had the opportunity to go and visit places that my family came from. it's a truly beautiful country with lovely people.

i understand the fear and discomfort in traveling overseas today. i don't know that i would fly over there today if i had to go through heathrow. i can't remember if we had to go through there to get to edinborough, but we must have.

the only place i feel safe flying outside of the country is mexico at this point in time.

Re: A Dream on Hold

Drythe — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 04:13:45 GMT

I simply refuse to let these people dictate my life.

Re: A Dream on Hold

MoJoV — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 04:16:56 GMT

Scotland has always fascinated me. I'm Irish in heritage and where Ireland seems soft and green and beautiful,Scotland seems wild and mysterious,all the things that intrigue me. My daughter and granddaughter were in Ireland last year,fell inlove with the country and the people.I hope you can go to Scotland soon.

Re: A Dream on Hold

Nuttmeg — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 04:59:33 GMT

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/united-kingdom.html

Re: A Dream on Hold

Deb1010yetagain — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 05:50:19 GMT

My niece might go to college at St. Andrews in Scottland. She refuses to live her life in fear. I agree. I wish you would consider going.

Re: A Dream on Hold

hckynut — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 06:06:58 GMT

@Plaid Pants2 wrote:
I have always dreamed of visiting Scotland, the home of my ancient ancestors.

But now, that dream is on hold.

I wouldn't feel safe. I would be scared to go out and do anything, eat, visit sites, shop, etc.

I would be so busy trying to keep my eye on everyone, that I wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy myself.

I admit it. I'm scared to travel overseas.

I know, I know, when you let fear rule your life, the terrorists win. I've said that myself.

I have to be practical and realistic when it comes to my personal safety.

If governments are saying that they are concerned that more attacks are immanent, that there will be more bombings in the near future, then I, or anyone going over to Europe, would have to take that possibility in to serious consideration.

Yes, I know, I could die tomorrow in a violent way, but I would still feel safer here, than there.

I am afraid that it will get worse, much, much worse, before it ever starts to get better.

When I dreamed of visiting Scotland, I saw myself being footloose and fancy free, having the time of my life.

Now, that dream is on hold, and I wonder, will I ever get over there in my lifetime?

Sory for rambling, but these are just some thoughts that I've had on my mind lately.

Guess in your mind they have won. I ain't one for traveling, however nothing that has happened would change any of my plans.

Chances of being injured or killed in a vehicle wreck are more of a risk than what you have mentioned as: "A Dream on hold".

To each be their own.

hckynut(john)

Re: A Dream on Hold

Desertdi — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 08:40:41 GMT

It's probably more dangerous to cross the street on foot in Phoenix............

Re: A Dream on Hold

KathyPet — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 09:09:50 GMT

Ah but by staying here in the good old US you have a better statistical chance of being picked off in a movie theater, restaurant or other public place by some nut case with a AK 47 then you do being caught in a terrorist bombing overseas so why would you not go to Scotland.?

Re: A Dream on Hold

Plaid Pants2 — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 13:23:37 GMT

All of you are right in what you are saying, and it wasn't like I had already bought tickets, or anything. I'll most likely still go someday, I just have to not worry so much!

Re: A Dream on Hold

proudlyfromNJ — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 12:11:59 GMT

I visited Scotland and Ireland a few years ago. Very beautiful and interesting. Actually, I think you have more to worry about here than in Scotland.