While Danny and I prepared for our trip to Europe, we heard about the terrorist attack in Manchester, England. Our whole vacation started with London at its heart. I would attend the Bloggers Bash on June 10th.
We didn’t change our plans.
Instead, we drove from Glasgow to Edinburgh, Scotland when I noticed London trending on Twitter. To be honest, a second terrorist attack so soon after Manchester gave me pause. Was it an outbreak?
We didn’t change our plans.
After a fabulous week in Scotland, we flew to Gatwick airport and took the train to London. I wondered if police presence would be everywhere. Would any of the tourist attractions be open? Would we have to stick around the neighborhood of the Wellington Hotel?
The fabulous Bloggers Bash was the next day. We planned to take London by storm on Sunday. I brought my most comfortable walking shoes. I wanted to see Buckingham Palace, check out my buddy, Chuck, I mean Charles Dickens’ haunts, and go to Covent Gardens.
As soon as we walked out of Victoria’s station, I was struck by the number of cute little children, dressed to impress.
And just like that, I was over any doubt or fear.
Of course, we didn’t change our plans.
When I asked people in London how they felt about safety, they all said, “We have to live their lives.” One man said, “Americans are scaredy cats.” True that. I was, but not anymore.
My suggestion to Americans?
Travel to London or Paris or wherever you want. It’s the only way we win. Terrorists want to destroy our way of life. When we change our plans because we’re afraid, they win.
Have you changed your vacation plans because of recent events? Would you?
Susie Lindau's Wild Ride 
Once we stop doing things because of fear we stop living. Life has risk but doing nothing is the biggest risk of all.
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Wow! Those are such profound words, Marje. That is exactly what we need to fight against. There is everyday fear too. They set us back with negativity. I try to stop imagining the worst as soon as I start. It’s a waste of time!
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Thank you Susie, and yes it is so much better to focus on the positive. 🙂
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Most of our worries are a waste of time.
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Indeed they are. Its far better to focus on living life to the full. 🙂
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It’s a much healthier way to live.
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I love this post. The BF and I travelled to Paris only a few months after the Bataclan events and there was a bomb scare at the Eiffel Tower while we were there but we visited the next morning anyway. And travel to Berlin days after the Christmas Market attacks, and we didn’t regret it. Berliners were so welcoming! Like you say, if we change our plans, they win… And I don’t want them to win.
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Here, here, Frede!!! It’s the only way. We are more likely to die in a car crash or lightning, for that matter. It’s all about what you said, living our lives!
Thank you so much!
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