A Dream on Hold

Plaid Pants2 · ‎03-14-2015

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.

Lila Belle · ‎01-24-2013

YOLO ! Go for it !

You'll love Scotland and the people.

Justice4all · ‎12-22-2013

I think Scotland would be an unlikely target.

MaggieMack · ‎10-01-2014

@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!

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. - Aesop

GrailSeeker · ‎12-01-2012

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.

Irshgrl31201 · ‎03-18-2010

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.

Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.
JFK

Chrystaltree2 · ‎12-08-2014

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.

Nancy Drew · ‎03-11-2010

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

Wrong is still wrong just because you benefited from it.

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

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.

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

StillFuntoShop · ‎12-25-2015

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... 🌈