Holiday Worries

[DopeyAngel]

Ok, so this is probably quite stupid, and I know none of you are interested, but (you knew there had to be a but in there somewhere!)........I've just booked a holiday with one of my close friends to Faliraki which is a popular clubbing resort on Rhodes (Greece).......all was going well until I just read an article in my newspaper about lots of rapes there over the past few weeks (as well as some which didn't seem to make the news last year)........it advises women not to travel home after the clubs shut alone, but as there are only two of us, this is all we can do and we are probably quite vulnerable (particularly as we are both only 19)...........Does anyone have any advice? Apparently all holiday reps are being advised to carry rape alarms and I thought this may be a good idea, but does cancelling the holiday seem better? Despite the fact that we will lose a lot of money and our dream holiday.......I am quite worried...advice anyone?

Thanks,
The Dopey One

 

[metal_minx]

just go & have fun...just take precaution and dont be stupid

isnt that helpful? lol

 

[DopeyAngel]

I feel better already...thank you minx........

 

[J.B.]

take mace with you. & in a pinch your keys make a great weapon

 

[cymbidia]

Take a class in how to handle mace - and carry it. If not, carry pepper spray.

Fight like hell. Get tissue samples under your nails. SCREAM and don't stop screaming.

Get a shreiking alarm for you keychain that can be activated with the press of button and have it in your hand at all times when your outside after dark, alone or not.

Don't be alone at night outside.

Be very cautious all the time about who is near you and any open doors or narrow alleys you pass. Walk in the middle of the street if you have to to avoid dangerous-looking side passages.

Avoid dark streets.

Use heightened commonsense and listen to your gut instincts.

Call the police to escort you home if you feel that need.

Go to establishments that will provide escorts to take you home safely. Avoid those which cannot offer that service.



Don't freak out.
Be prepared.
Be alert.
Have fun.

 

[DopeyAngel]

Thank you jail and cym, I don't know where to get mace in the uk but I'll try to find out........I hadn't thought of that - very good idea......I'll wear trainers instead of high heels so I can run!

 

[xMorganx]

some simple ideas....
if you are out late then stay in a well lit area. Don't accept rides home from strangers (sounds like elementry school all over again)

Plan a time every day that you are going to call either a close friend or family member so if oyu miss the call they can notify someone if they can't get ahold of you.

know the number to the US(if your american)embassy of the country you are in..this is for that friend your supposed to call.

pack mace or pepper spray in your luggage not your carryon...

those are the ones i got told by a friend who went to pakistan 2 years ago

 

[J.B.]

I read/heard somewhere that screaming "help" is least likely to get any kind of responce from people. that it's better to yell "fire".

 

[DopeyAngel]

Good idea about the phonecall - thanks xMorganx.......I heard that too jail......funny world, people aren't prepared to get involved in an attack but they will in the case of a fire......

 

[cymbidia]

I read/heard somewhere that screaming "help" is least likely to get any kind of responce from people. that it's better to yell "fire".

Absolutely correct.

Learn the Greek word for FIRE! and be prepared to scream it.

 

[RawHumor]

some simple ideas....
if you are out late then stay in a well lit area. Don't accept rides home from strangers (sounds like elementry school all over again)

When I was on Spring Break in Mexico a girl got raped by a taxi driver, so you never really can trust anyone you don't know.

 

[J.B.]

When I was on Spring Break in Mexico a girl got raped by a taxi driver, so you never really can trust anyone you don't know.

Well up until Fox became prez in Mexico. you counldn't trust anyone literally. Two of my cousins had gotten a flat halfway home. A cop pulled up & started do practcally paw them right there & then.

I don't know how it is now because it's been a while since I've gone but I heard alot of things have changed.

 

[cymbidia]

Well up until Fox became prez in Mexico. you counldn't trust anyone literally. Two of my cousins had gotten a flat halfway home. A cop pulled up & started do practcally paw them right there & then.

Because your cousins got pawed (according to them) by a cop in Mexico, everyone in the country is untrustworthy? How the fuck did you draw that incendiary conclusion from one secondhand incident?


I was born and raised and grew up in San Diego. My family had a house in Ensenada, a house i spent much of the summer in for many years. I had Mexican friends.

The vast majority of Mexicans are hard-working, supremely family-oriented people. They're just like you and me. They live within the embrace of a different culture, that is true, but so what? different cultures make the world interesting.

Most Mexicans are normal ordinary average good people like most Americans, like most Canadians, like most Kiwis, like most Brits, like most of humanity.

I dislike blatant stereotypes such as have been displayed here. You do harm by uttering such total bullshit.

 

[RawHumor]

Most Mexicans are normal ordinary average good people like most Americans, like most Canadians, like most Kiwis, like most Brits, like most of humanity.

I dislike blatant stereotypes such as have been displayed here. You do harm by uttering such total bullshit.

That's true, but you don't know who to trust wherever you are.

My example of the taxi driver and her example of the policeman are examples of people who you'd think you could trust but who obviously couldn't be trusted.

On our first night there, I was drunk and separated from my friends and a group of locals (after having some fun with me LOL) got me back to my hotel safe and sound. MY experience was great, but there are horror stories from tourists visiting every country, including the US.

I don't think she meant her statement quite the way you took it.

 

[J.B.]

I dislike blatant stereotypes such as have been displayed here. You do harm by uttering such total bullshit.

Oh please I'm mexican too. I'm not talking shit about my country get a grip. my point is that even those in power can be corrupt. You just have to know that there really is no sure fire safe "place" I guess you could say.
What happened to my cousins is an example of what can happen anywhere. Since I've never been to another country other than Mexico I can't make up fake senarios just to apease the sence of PC.
Breathe Cym. I meant nothing by it.

 

[harleyhog]

it may sound stupid,,,,,,,,,but carry an umbrella,or a baseballbat.
better to look a little weird,,then to end up in a hospital

 

[DopeyAngel]

Umbrella - good idea...baseballbat - might be asking for trouble and knowing me I would only get drunk and insist on using it on someone anyway.....thank you everyone though (including all the Brits, Americans, Mexicans, Kiwis etc.......)....phew.....

 

[Bindii]

I only have one thing to add as everyone here has given you so much great advice. I'd do some checking about the legality of carrying mace or pepper spray.....they may not allow it on planes and it may be illegal to carry it over there too. Its illegal to have in Australia but I don't know about Greece.

 

[DopeyAngel]

Thanx Bindii - I found out its actually illegal in the uk so i don't think I'll be buying any.......someone suggested I should take a perfume spray out with me so I think I will.......

 

[Astro]

DopeyAngel, lets face it you could be assualted anywhere. people just tend to let their gaurd down on holidays especialy after a few drinks.

Do u know how many rapes/assualts there were in your city last year? For what it is worth I have been to Rhodes and the people on the whole are fine. Try and travel in a larger group including a couple of guys.

But dont spend your whole holiday worrying, relax and have some fun!

 

[DopeyAngel]

Thanks Astro...I guess it freaks me out a bit because I live on a small island and stuff like that rarely happens but after reading everyone's advice and putting things into persepctive I'm not so worried anymore - thank you everyone!