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Doing stupid things

To summarize, a tourist impaled himself on a metal fence trying to climb said fence at the Colosseum.

https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/rome-tourist-colosseum-railing-fence.html

I'm trying to think of stupid things I've done as a tourist and I'm pretty sure most are just being careless or inattentive, i.e. maybe not checking carefully when crossing a street in Naples or focusing on my phone/camera instead of my surroundings. However what about things I'd like to do, or have done that may result in harm. I'd like to get into a shark cage to see great whites, if I had the money I'd take one of those rockets into space. Mountain Biking comes to mind as the riskiest thing I've done in my younger days; going too fast down a hill, or biking alone in remote areas where I'm on my own if I get hurt, or a bear or cougar finds me. Is that any less dumb than what we're thinking about Vlad the self-impaler right now?

Posted by
22167 posts

Are we self judging or reflecting on the judgment received from others?

Posted by
1435 posts

I would say "Unbelievable!!!", but then looking at your question and considering my own adventures, I wonder.....

I am a hiker and most frequently a solo traveler. Australia is known to have a number of dangerous snakes, some commonly found in people's back yards as well as on hiking trails. I am well aware of this. I've even had taxi drivers warn me as they dropped me at trailheads.

Nonetheless, I decided I didn't want to take the well-trod path before me when exploring; I was off on a more interesting unused trail, solo. That is until I all but put my foot down on snake sunning itself on the stone path before me. At my quick glance, it could have been one of the venomous brown snakes - or perhaps one of the non-venomous variety, but not worth finding out the answer!

I changed course and went for the path populated by others. Since, I have stuck to my rule of hiking solo only in areas where there are others out and about.

Posted by
2204 posts

Well, I did not participate, but I guess I "instigated" that what could have been considered a "stupid tourist action."

It was our first Rick Steves' tour....Paris city tour. I saw one the darling really, really small cars (forget the make/model) ,and I commented to my husband (and other fellow RS male tour mates were well within ear shot): "I wonder if someone could pick up that car?"

Well (sorry), but you know how guys are, especially when "in a pack." Next thing I know they were picking up the car, which was apparently easy to do. I do have a photo or two or three somewhere.

But they/we were all darn lucky the bumper did not come off (or some other peril) the sweet little car....also lucky the owner did not see what took place.

Yep, pretty stupid!!

I have since been very, very, very careful in the random questions I ask...................especially when said question might come across in any way as a "challenge."

Posted by
1340 posts

I wonder IF the tourist had travel insurance, would the insurance pay for the medical care or would the insurance be considered invalid because of the “stupid”/dangerous/hazardous activity undertaken by this tourist?

Posted by
1637 posts

The title of this thread could easily also serve as the title of my autobiography.

Posted by
12436 posts

Age 47 thinking he is still as spry and agile as he was at 27?

Why is it what comes to mind is Ron White and his "you can't fix stupid"