Three terrorist attacks in the past 18 months. 234 people dead and hundreds more injured. This is just some of the devastation that has occurred in France. Obviously, these attacks instill fear in the citizens of France as well as travelers. In fact, the day before I left for Paris was when the attack on Nice occurred. From my perspective, I was worried but knew that I shouldn't be concerned about what could happen. Instead, I tried to enjoy everything around me. When I was in Paris I was able to experience what Paris and France are like after terrorism.
1. Security measures have been implemented into high tourist areas
There is a huge fence around both the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. In order to enter, your bag is searched and you are patted down or scanned. There is an added police presence and overall, it makes you feel safer in this environment especially in spite of the recent terrorist attack in Nice. All tourist areas are extra secured, so if you want to travel but are afraid of your safety there is no need to be. You could be killed at your home, so go out and enjoy the world around you.
2. France seems to be more unified
The country is having three days of National Mourning. The flags are at half staff and the Eiffel Tower is not lit up in the evening. Though I was a little bummed that I couldn't get to see the Eiffel Tower's light show, I gained a new respect for the country as a whole. I was too young to remember the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City, so seeing this firsthand was a humbling experience. They have come together to show support for each other.
3. Peace rallies
These peace rallies are unlike the ones in the United States of America. At the Notre Dame Cathedral Square there was a peace rally taking place. The people were jumping up and down singing "Peace" in different languages. It looked more like a concert than a peace rally. I honestly thought that this was such an amazing sight to see. In the United States of America, our protests and rallies often end in some sort of violence. This one was over within a couple of hours and they looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Sure they were angry or upset about the events that had taken place before, but they came together to support one another.
I had never thought about all the effects of terrorism. Obviously, death was first and foremost in my mind. Other things can come out of tragedies and it was really neat to experience that firsthand even though Nice is over 500 miles away from Paris, the effect was still seen. My thoughts and prayers are with all those effected by this tragedy. Lastly, if you wish to travel the world, just go. Terrorism can deter tourists, but there are so many astonishing places to see. You can't let the fear of what could happen keep you from traveling.
