olitics have come into play as France and the US square off on the issue of Iraq. The press would have us believe that nobody in Europe likes Americans and particularly the French. We do not know the answer to that. What we do know is that American attitudes towards the French government have hardened. Political jokes abound. I suspect there is some similar sentiment in France.

Should it cause you to eliminate you French travel plans? I suppose you will have to make that call. France has a large Muslim population and there have been a lot of terrorist acts in France. I guess one just has to follow the news and check with the State Department before finalizing any trip abroad in these tense times.

As for the French people, I have never felt any animosity on the basis of the fact that I am an American. In fact, on our last trip there I was approached by a Frenchman in St. Remy. He extended his condolences over 9-11 and said he really appreciated the Americans. His words were, "...the yanks liberated my town when I was a young boy. We will never forget that."

The French have very good security systems and there is little to be gained by terrorist acts against single individuals. I think it is as safe as any other place.

Like most Americans, I am severely disappointed that the French government has not joined Great Britain and the US. However these are political questions and they do not necessarily reflect the underlying attitude of the people. I do not think the French people are anti-American, nor are the American people anti-French.

The fall out is that we are currently planning another trip but our focus has shifted back to Italy. Still, we will return to France. We love it.

An excellent article, "Traveling soon? Biggest hurdle may be your own fear " appeared in the Seattle Times on Sunday, February 23, 2003 dealing with travel during tense times. Click here.

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