Mike_Philippens
Certifiable User
When you feel the need to carry weapons of any kind and take special precautions to feel safe on a trip, is there still any fun in going on the trip?
I mean, sure you need to be cautious and use common sense about where you go, just like any other day. But taking special measures on a trip...I'm not sure if I want to travel in that state of mind. I do carry a small knife (a Leatherman tool to be precize), but I'd rather not try to use it in an awkward situation. Chances are that you end up stabbed with your own knife if you're not used to use it that way.
I'm aware of the dishonest and honourless part of our civilization, but I don't want to travel thinking about those things. Having said that, I really do realize that it's a reality. I experienced it in a motel outside New Orleans in 2000. Around 3AM there was somebody prying in the lock with a key. We had the room locked and the key was in the lock (and turned) at the inside so they were unsuccesful in opening the door. When we realized there was somebody we yelled some strong words and went back to sleep. Some 10 minutes later, the phone rang and somebody said that we should come to the office because there was something wrong with out reservation. I said 'First thing in the morning' and hung up. Next day, the man at the desk said there had been nobody...
I guess we were lucky that we didn't open the door and that I was too sleepy to realize what just happened. But we didn't gave it too much thought afterwards.
But, like I said, I won't let it affect my holiday. I'll just use my common sense and be careful like I am everywhere. Fortunately I'm a big guy and not a 'common target' for people with bad things in mind. Maybe that's my luck, but I'm also convinced that your attitude has a lot to do with it. If you don't act, move and behave like a target, you're not likely to be one.
I mean, sure you need to be cautious and use common sense about where you go, just like any other day. But taking special measures on a trip...I'm not sure if I want to travel in that state of mind. I do carry a small knife (a Leatherman tool to be precize), but I'd rather not try to use it in an awkward situation. Chances are that you end up stabbed with your own knife if you're not used to use it that way.
I'm aware of the dishonest and honourless part of our civilization, but I don't want to travel thinking about those things. Having said that, I really do realize that it's a reality. I experienced it in a motel outside New Orleans in 2000. Around 3AM there was somebody prying in the lock with a key. We had the room locked and the key was in the lock (and turned) at the inside so they were unsuccesful in opening the door. When we realized there was somebody we yelled some strong words and went back to sleep. Some 10 minutes later, the phone rang and somebody said that we should come to the office because there was something wrong with out reservation. I said 'First thing in the morning' and hung up. Next day, the man at the desk said there had been nobody...
I guess we were lucky that we didn't open the door and that I was too sleepy to realize what just happened. But we didn't gave it too much thought afterwards.
But, like I said, I won't let it affect my holiday. I'll just use my common sense and be careful like I am everywhere. Fortunately I'm a big guy and not a 'common target' for people with bad things in mind. Maybe that's my luck, but I'm also convinced that your attitude has a lot to do with it. If you don't act, move and behave like a target, you're not likely to be one.