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Is Europe Safe?

Really, we should be asking if any place is really "safe" at all.

Sep 04, 2016

In the past few months or so, Europe has been the center of attention in international media. Economically, politically, and financially. Tragedy has so often struck Paris, Brussels, Nice and Ansbach in Germany that people are rethinking their travel and vacation plans. When I went to Europe in January, I immediately fell in love with their lifestyle, culture and architecture. A part of me never wanted to leave, the same part that wonders why I am back. But so often, people ask the question: is Europe safe?

Well, the answer to question is simple yet complex. Is there a single place in the world considered "safe"? Our definition of the word safe is complex as it is. We should not shy away from exploring, learning and understanding a life different from ours because of what the media shows us. Europe is an ocean away and for us to make judgments from so far away is ridiculous.

Unfortunately, some things are unavoidable. No matter how hard we try to stay cautious, we are going to run into what is meant for us. In the mean time we should enjoy and live our lives the way we want to. By choosing not to go for that one sole reason is letting someone control our lives. Europe is a beautiful, magical place. A place anyone would fall in love with instantly. Do not feel obligated to say "no" because of fear that the media is paid to put in your mind.

Reading, listening to and watching the news is essential to understanding what is going on in our world. But what you take from that is your choice. There are hundreds of stories the media over exaggerates. And unless you are living the situation, it is impossible to know how it truly feels being there. We should not let it affect our personal choices. The question you should rather ask is: is there any place in the world that is completely safe?

The answer to that is: no there is not. I cannot think of one place that has zero crime rate, cannot think of one place where there have not been rapes, murders, violence and such. Of course, it is a tremendously disheartening thought to think our world is infested with such terrible humans. However, it's the bitter truth. Where one feels "safe" is open to discussion. It could be home, in bed, with someone else. Though there is not a region, territory, country or city that is completely and utterly safe. And while we all wish there was, it is not entirely possible.

So go to Europe, have the time of your life trying pastries, wine and "ooh-ing" and
ahh-ing" at the magnificent architecture. Do not let fear stop you.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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