10-16-2007, 07:09 PM
Yup, our European friends don't have much of a sense of humor when it comes to weapons. Leave it in the state up north.
Europe is hella safe. Egypt I don't know anything about. No need to be paranoid. Some general tips though:
1) you will see Canadians everywhere sporting tons of "Canada" gear--hats, patches on their packs, etc. They go out of their way to distinguish themselves from Americans. Don't do the same back and wear all kinds of USA stuff. In general, keep a somewhat low profile. You need not wear all tight black clothing though.
2) be a traveler, not a tourist. Try not to be hammered in a pub and tell everyone how soccer sucks, for example. You will be punched.
3) use common sense in guarding your stuff. E.g., use one of those money belt things, or better yet, have a fleece vest you wear everywhere with the pockets in the chest--noone has ever got to my $ in there. Don't leave your pack unattended, and so on.
The bottom line is that Europe is probably safer than US cities, as if you were to encounter crime in the EU, it will more than likely be of the pickpocket variety, not a "violent" crime. So, you don't need any weapons anyway.
Non-Americans can spot us from a 100 yards. There are tons of clues. You can't avoid it. Just try to fit in and not be a jackass.
Europe is hella safe. Egypt I don't know anything about. No need to be paranoid. Some general tips though:
1) you will see Canadians everywhere sporting tons of "Canada" gear--hats, patches on their packs, etc. They go out of their way to distinguish themselves from Americans. Don't do the same back and wear all kinds of USA stuff. In general, keep a somewhat low profile. You need not wear all tight black clothing though.
2) be a traveler, not a tourist. Try not to be hammered in a pub and tell everyone how soccer sucks, for example. You will be punched.
3) use common sense in guarding your stuff. E.g., use one of those money belt things, or better yet, have a fleece vest you wear everywhere with the pockets in the chest--noone has ever got to my $ in there. Don't leave your pack unattended, and so on.
The bottom line is that Europe is probably safer than US cities, as if you were to encounter crime in the EU, it will more than likely be of the pickpocket variety, not a "violent" crime. So, you don't need any weapons anyway.
Non-Americans can spot us from a 100 yards. There are tons of clues. You can't avoid it. Just try to fit in and not be a jackass.
