In light of the events in Pakistan yesterday, this morning in Denmark we received this alert sent to all registered U.S. citizens residing abroad. . . The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence following recent counter- terrorism activity in Pakistan. Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. This Travel Alert expires August 1, 2011. . .
Whereas there have been celebrations I've watched via slingbox on the US television stations, the response in Europe is rather muted. No gatherings here in Denmark. I have had a few Danes ask me for my perspective. It is the lead story on the DK, BBC, German, and Italian news services - all channels I get on TV here. But not to the depth of the US networks. For all those traveling, I'd be aware of my surroundings. We're traveling to Rome this weekend and spending a couple of days with our US Embassy friends - who have already been put on alert.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
117 posts
"U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times." Um, isn't that good advice in general? Heck, I take care to "be aware of my surroundings" when I'm in parts of my home city.
Posted by
Dallas
1021 posts
We've just cancelled our holiday in Islamabad.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga
211 posts
I kinda big on going forward and living our lives as we normally would.
Otherwise the bad guys have won.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
117 posts
We're going to Switzerland (Zurich, Bern, country-side0 and Italy (Rome, Positano, Naples) in a few weeks, and looking forward to it. We definitely will stay aware of our surroundings (as we do regardless). We use caution, but life goes on - and so should we. I went to Europe a few months after 9/11, and we went to London 6 weeks after the London subway bombings. Not to go all political and whatnot, but I definitely expect some sort of retaliation or activity from those who followed bin Laden.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4408 posts
I'm more concerned for your US Embassy friends; we (unfortunately) know the potential there...hopes and prayers for calm everywhere.
Posted by
Chesapeake, VA, USA
23 posts
Skip, I completely agree with you!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32224 posts
Ron, This is a good reminder for those travelling abroad at any time, but especially now. Hopefully there won't be any incidents, but it's a good idea to be cautious anyway. The fact that the response is somewhat "muted" in Europe is perhaps encouraging, and an indicator that there won't be any problems. I've been busy today (Federal election happening here) so haven't had an opportunity to watch the Italian news yet. I just tuned in Porta a Porta and it looks like it's the lead story. The headlines they showed read E Adesso? and Bin Laden É Stato Ucciso in Pakistan. Hope you have a great time in Rome!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16415 posts
Thank you for posting this. We are in Spain now and did not check the news yesterday. We will stay alert but continue to enjoy this beautiful and hospitable country.