Cancel trip to France
Feb 5th, 2003, 03:47 PM
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Cancel trip to France
I have been to France several times and had planned on returning this fall. However to contribute my LITTLE part in the coming conflict with Iraq I am cancelling my trip to France until they join us in coaliion against Iraq. I am not a Franco basher . As a matter of fact I am of French heritage and speak, write and read the language. I simply can not ignore their unwilligness to join the coalition.<BR><BR>I don"t remember where I heard this quote but it has stuck with me<BR><BR>The French are always there when they NEED US!!!!!<BR><BR>Okay all you liberals, go ahead and flame me. Just voicing my opinion on travel to France.<BR>Bonsoir
Feb 5th, 2003, 04:52 PM
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Frankly, thank you all for not going. I hope that you fully support and approve of people who boycott travel to the US because they don't agree with our government. You all will make it far less crowded for us.
Feb 5th, 2003, 05:31 PM
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Armand- I too respect your honesty, but I disagree. I don't plan my travels around politicians or policy, unless there is a State Dept. warning for that particular country. Would you travel to London- maybe Blair supports Bush but most Brits don't! And now in the US, it looks as though most Americans are opposed to us going off to war without UN support.
Feb 5th, 2003, 05:46 PM
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Flame you? Why? You feel good about what you're doing and that's all that's important. On the other hand I will go to France and Germany this summer anyway. Why? Because I'm selfish. I care about my own enjoyment and that's what I want to do. And I know if I didn't go it wouldn't make a damn bit of difference anyway.
Feb 5th, 2003, 05:52 PM
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I have absolutely no plans to cancel my forthcoming trips to France, Ireland, or anywhere else. If I based my travel plans on politics, I'd never leave home. <BR><BR>It's absolute silliness to think that your boycotting of France as a travel destination is going to make one whit of difference to anyone, here or in France. If it makes you feel better, fine, but don't go around on a high horse pretending you're making a statement. No one really cares. It's not even a "LITTLE part," Armand - it's totally inconsequential.Something to brag about with the neighbors at your next fondue party, but nothing more.<BR><BR>As someone who spends a lot of time in France and lives there for a small portion of each year, I can see valid points on both sides of the issues before us right now. I love the French but don't always agree with their political stance. I love the USA, but don't always agree with the administration's viewpoint. But none of that has anything to do with travel, as long as one is traveling in a relatively safe region. And living 3 miles from the Pentagon, I must say I feel a heck of a lot safer in rural France, where I tend to spend my vacation time, than I do right here at home. <BR>The French have valid historical reasons for not joining our "coalition," such as it is. If you are of French heritage, you should understand that. They are also simply a skeptical group of people, if one may make nationalistic generalizations. It's one of the things I like about them. Surely it can't be a big surprise to you that they are digging in their heels. And did Collin Powell's speech today convince you 100 percent that it's time for war? I personally thought the "evidence" was a bit flimsy, especially the audiotapes. <BR>Small, formerly potent, proud nations like France will always disagree with US policies on certain issues, especially issues that involve partnerships they may have enjoyed with nations that the US has eschewed. It doesn't mean you can't enjoy sitting in a Paris café or roaming the endlessly beautiful countryside of rural France.In the end, it's your loss.
Feb 5th, 2003, 05:56 PM
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Patrick- I don't consider that to be selfish. I work hard most of the year, and when it comes to enjoying myself, I'm not going to let politicians get in my way- they ruin enough things, I'm not going to let them screw up my travel plans!
Feb 5th, 2003, 05:58 PM
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Armand (and others),<BR><BR>this is a very interesting thread, as I'm sort of on the same page. I planned to go on vacation to France this year myself. I too, wondered if I should go because of the lack of support against Iraq. However, since I also don't want to go to war, I'm not sure how I can fault them! And, I also believe as time goes on they will join the growing list of countries who support the US.<BR><BR>As a matter of fact, I'm a travel agent, and the French Tourism Board recently came out with a Specialization course for agents. I paid my tuition and got the study course this week (and boy, is it comprehensive)! After I complete it, my plan was to get the "practical" side with the trip; thereby combining business and pleasure! <BR><BR>Perhaps an effective method for making your feelings known is to "hit them in the pocketbook" and call, write or fax your local French Tourism Bureau and let them know your feelings.<BR><BR>With my with clients, I know many have put their travel plans on hold until we find out if we're actually going to war; and if so, we may see State Department warnings in the future.<BR><BR>Melodie
Feb 5th, 2003, 06:17 PM
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Interesting thought, Armand. I have traveled to France often, spending 17 days in 2002 and in 2000 traveling various parts of the country. I love the food, wine, culture and overall ambience. <BR><BR>France is not my destination this year. Not sure what I would do re: travel to France had it been my chosen destination. I do think we each choose to make our stand -- whatever that stand might be -- in whatever little ways we can.<BR><BR>I do get ticked off at some of the things the French do politically. And, maybe that should be reflected in future travel choices. But, I can understand what underlies their UN grandstanding: they have never been warriors (nor winners), even -- or especially -- when their home turf has been at stake; they have delusions of power from having a seat on the Security Council in spite of the fact that they are there merely because they happened to be on the "right side" of WWII; they are, for all intents and purposes, a mere footnote on the world political stage; and, in the end, they will do whatever benefits them in bolstering trade with the current Iraqi regime or reaping the benefits of "regime change."<BR><BR>So, I guess I'll continue to be ticked off and/or amused by their politics, but will also likely continue to enjoy their wonderful food, wine and culture. <BR>
Feb 5th, 2003, 06:49 PM
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I have visited France many, many times. It has always been my favorite country in Europe. I have loved it so much that I managed to find several pen pals through the years. In getting to know these people more than just superficially I have discovered in some of them a deep arrogance, envy, intolerance and self centeredness that is truly sad.<BR><BR>Armand, I admire you for taking the position that you have.
Feb 5th, 2003, 07:18 PM
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I'm with you, EdnaB. Especially your comments about staying home in the good ol' USA right now!<BR><BR>I find it funny reading lynlor's comments about the French :<BR><BR> " I have discovered in some of them a deep arrogance, envy, intolerance and self centeredness that is truly sad."<BR><BR>because there are those who think the same thing of us (we Americans, that is). And who could blame them?<BR><BR>Whether or not to travel is a personal decision, but I agree with those who separate the politics from the place. I'm sure there are plenty of people who travel to the U.S. who don't agree with our administration, but love our country, anyway. And my feeling has always been that travelling is about meeting people on a one-to-one level, getting away from the politics of the place. <BR><BR>I'm planning a trip this summer to France, too, and am looking forward to going. <BR><BR>
