Bulgaria: State Department Advisory

Too bad about the attackers. There are, unfortunately, low-lifes everywhere. BTW, James , you may have noticed a "g" missing in the country name in the title of your post.

I wonder if the thugs made random attacks, or chose their victims because of their appearance or behavior? Hope your trip is safe.

I'm not the least bit worried. I would be surprised if places like Times Square weren't more dangerous. I just thought I would post it in the event someone was heading that way.

I see that RS is not having a tour to Bulgaria this year but may have them next year. It is one of the soon to be 12 RS tours that we have not taken but hope to in 2015. I would be curious about the victims appearance if something about their dress or color of their skin cause those baldies to attack them. Thanks James for the "heads-up".

"...I would be surprised if places like Times Square weren't more dangerous...."

I take it you haven't been to the Big Apple in about 20 years:) Times Square has been Disneyfied, and Big Box Retailed. The scariest thing you will find there these days is the world's largest Olive Garden, and the three story building selling nothing but M&Ms.

And there is actually a Disney Store there too? I understand the current mayor is doing all he can to change the hard earned new image of NYC.

As for Bulgaria. Been there before and am going back. I just posted that as information if someone was going. Show the same common sense that you show in the US and i believe that you will be as safe as similar situation in the US.

On April 17, the Canadian government issued a "high degree of caution" alert for Bulgaria. Hmm.

Geee, I posted it and now I find myself defending the opposite. Take a look at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_intentional_homicide_rate
This is really a beautiful, unique and fascinating country. The people we met on the last trip were as kind as any you could imagine. But it doesn't take many nuts to screw it up for everyone. Still, I would be alert and remember the common sense.

What prompted Rick Steves to drop the tour of Bulgaria? What's required for the return of the tour?

I would say that what would be required is PROFIT. I bet he didn't get many takers on the tour.

James re Times Square, you do know that NYC's crime rate has dropped radically since the 80 and the early 90's which is when I guess you were last in the city. It's Chicago that has the troubles these days. Time Square can get some high profile incidents, but the biggest risk is probably pick pockets--yes they do exist in the US. And if it's not a pick pocket it's getting run over by the mobs and mobs of tourists. Most New Yorkers avoid it unless that absolutely must go there. I frequently go under Times Square on the Subway, but I usually don't come up again until I'm a few blocks away.

The best reason to go TS is to get to a Broadway show. Otherwise, check out the other parts of the city.

But regarding the comment that you're safer in Sofia than Times Square, I wouldn't place any bets on that if I were you.

Pam

Pamela; relax (he said with a big friendly smile) , I was being a little light about it. I love NYC. I was looking for one high density place against another high density place. Most of the issues in Bulgaria seem to be in Sofia. I've been there and its my impression that its not any worse than most other major cities. The difference is when skin heads attack a tourist in Chicago (better?) the State Department doesn't issue a warning.