"This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before."

Leonard Bernstein

SAFETY WHILE TRAVELING

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TRIBUTES, THOUGHTS & TRAVEL ADVICE AFTER SEPTEMBER 11

 

 

After touring the past six summers, we think all SOA tour members can attest that they felt very safe and comfortable traveling in Europe. The SOA Staff, most who have traveled dozens of times to Europe, agree that it seems as safe as ever. Being in Europe has been wonderful and the people are still very, very welcoming! Although we did make some changes to better the safety of our members, and airports and some other places have increased security, we felt no threat and received no negative reactions throughout our stay. We can assure you that if we felt it were unsafe, we would alter the tour. Based on the last several years' tours, and on information from the state department and news, we do not anticipate any safety reasons to avoid Europe. Europe has been heavily visited by tourists (many American) over the past several years. It appears no less safe in Europe than in the U.S. The Europeans know that American individuals are not the same thing as American politics or foreign relations, etc. and therefore treat Americans as warmly as ever.

For a booklet outlining some of the safety measures we have taken to better ensure a safe tour, contact us.

Rick Steves, travel expert on Europe The well-known and well-liked American travel expert, Rick Steves, has a great website. SOA Staff members have always admired him and felt he is the most down-to-earth European expert in travel.

As a European travel guru who spends much time in Europe, with locals and American groups, Rick has posted a statement about travel today in Europe that may interest you. Please also read what some recent Americans have to say about Europe. To hear first hand what some American tourists are saying, please visit Rick Steves' website where he has a "graffiti wall", where recent travelers send their comments. These pages are specifically about traveling right now in Europe and what their reactions are as Americans.

Concerned about air travel? See this info in our FAQ pages. Click here

WORLD NEWS / ANTI -AMERICANISM?

I think we can speak for everyone on tour during the last several years that we felt safe and in comfortable surroundings, and we treated very well by the Europeans.

We have personally experienced Europe during the post 9-11 years and during the war, but still, we didn't experience any problems associated with anti-Americanism! The Europeans were wonderful, and we are grateful for their hospitality!

2007 was no different. Europe is as great as ever!

We thank the 1000's of Europeans and Americans for attending our concerts for sharing their concerns and caring about us, and for supporting those who gave their lives Sept. 11th, by purchasing our Tribute to 9/11 CDs. You have made a difference in our lives, and we hope we have and will continue to make a positive difference in your lives and in the world. May there be Peace on Earth.

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This information was posted after 9/11, but still carries meaning.

Together, we plan to overcome the tragedies of September 11th doing what we do best, sharing in the gift of music! Now is the time to employ our musical talents to help build pride and confidence in America. Let goodwill and peace reign throughout the world, and let us do our part by offering music as our way of thanking the European people for their emotional support and for their shared universal desire for peace.

We honor the innocent victims of the attacks of September 11, 2001

We are indeed horrified by the hatred of a few individuals.
In anguish, we cry for each and every innocent victim and their loved ones.

We are truly amazed (but not surprised) and encouraged by the selfless bravery, aid and sacrifices that regular people and emergency personnel have demonstrated.

We are comforted by the support of other Americans who also grieve. We are given strength by their love and their willingness to reach out and help one another.

We are warmed and uplifted by the support and love sent by our friends and comrades in Europe and around the world. We are very moved by their concern and solidarity.

With the help of each individual's faith, the love and support we feel for each other, as well as our love for freedom, tolerance, justice and goodness, we will overcome and become stronger than we were before.

From SOA, a hug to each of you. We love you all. We wish only the best for you. Be safe and share your love.

Love and peace to our world -

SOA , 9-12-01

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LEARN MORE ABOUT SOA:

NEWS / 2008 Itinerary / SOA FAQ's / Directors & Staff / Eligibility / How to apply / Cost & Inclusions / Non-Profit Information / Music / Safety & Security

Special Alumni / Distinguished Alumni Talk about SOA / Testimonials from Past Tour Participants, by state

2007 Highlights / 2006 Highlights / 2005 Highlights / 2004 Highlights / 2003 Highlights / 2002 Tour Highlights / 2001 Tour Highlights / 2000 Tour Highlights / '99 Tour Highlights / '98 Tour Highlights / '97 Tour Highlights /

ALUMNI news / Photo Gallery / Fun websites

 

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page created 11-27-02

modified 8-21-07