Am I really a worry wart? Sometimes I wonder. My father was a renowned worrier, a world-class worrier. He went to extremes; there were even times when he was worried because he forgot what he was supposed to be worried about! My mother really did consider engraving his gravestone with the familiar quote, "see, I told you I was sick".
I probably do worry more than many people, but I believe I am more of a realist. I tend to think ahead to all the possibilities and prepare for them; like a boy scout I like to be prepared. For example, because we live in the midwest I always have emergency supplies; flashlights, lanterns, batteries, radios, etc. in case of tornadoes Sometimes my husband thinks I overdo it, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
My dad was a white knuckle flyer, but he flew when necessary. I used to be a fearful flier, but have overcome that through my love of traveling. I have never been afraid of traveling. I will sit on the plane for ten hours to get to Hawaii because it's worth it. I have traveled all around Europe, including Turkey and Greece. I even went back to Israel a second time even though I saw Katytusha rockets flying over the border from Lebanon.
But now I find myself in a dilemma. We are planning a trip to Eastern Europe in the near future. Here's a map:
Right there in the middle is the Black Sea. On the east is Russia and on the north is Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine are on the brink war at the moment, if you believe the news. There are warships gathering in the Black Sea. We are supposed to be on the western side of the Black Sea, in Romania and Bulgaria. I am beginning to worry. Do I want to be that close to a possible war? That close to so much unrest and uncertainty? Or am I being paranoid? Of course my husband thinks I am being a worry wart. I need to know, what do you think?
7 comments:
I think I would be concerned also, although you should be far enough away.
What is the official travel advice for Americans regarding Eastern Europe - presumably you can get up-to-date advice based on reports from the local embassies?
Have you paid any money up front yet? If not, couldn't you go somewhere else? I don't see the fun in going on holiday if you are going to spend the entire trip in a state of worry.
Hard to know what to do isn't it. Have you bought the tickets already? Maybe go to Bulgaria ( seems quiet in comparison) and check out the situation from there.
How far away is your trip?
We decided against Northern Ireland when we were in that part of the world because of 'The Troubles' at the time. Now situation has settled, we found it peaceful and enjoyable last year.
Usually if you are not on one side or other you're safe in a country - unless you are a missionary, mercenary ,Greenpeace activist, aid worker or a journalist...or in recent cases in Africa enticed over on internet love scam scenarios set up for bribery. You seem to be safe on all counts!
My brother returned from Thailand where all the political uprisings were taking place - he said you just stay well away from those areas.
What cautionary status does the U.S. Government travel service advise?
Thank you both for your thoughts. I will check with embassies/travel sites, etc. We have bought the tickets, so not sure how that would be handled. I was in Israel during relatively peaceful times, but there were still concerns.
I would be nervous. But I am a bit of a worrier myself.
Fellow moon child…
I'd go, if nothing much changes before then, but be well-informed and stay vigilant. I was in India when there was so much trouble in Kashmir (still unresolved) and cancelled a visit to Varanasi too because there had been some shooting, but there was so much else to see and do that it was hardly a loss. Travel safely and have fun! My friend loved Romania intensely....
Thank you, Rachel! i do value your opinion as a well-traveled person. I think it should be interesting to learn about an area new to me.
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