The recent NATO military bombing campaign against Yugoslavia was not completely supported by all NATO countries. In two NATO countries, Greece and Italy, initial support for the bombing was tepid. As the campaign continued past 30 days, the Greek and Italian governments became increasingly vocal in their opposition. This opposition was reflected in the general population, with increasing anti-US/NATO street demonstrations in Athens during April and May.

The US State Department issued a warning for US travelers in Greece and Turkey to be very careful and avoid street demonstrations. I am not exactly sure why a warning was issued for Turkey, because there were little if any demonstrations in that country against NATO military operations in Yugoslavia. Watching the Greek street demonstrations reminded me of an unpleasant incident that occurred in Rome a couple of years ago.

Rome's world famous Spanish Steps

My wife and I were completing a dream vacation that began with a week in Greece and concluded with a 5-day stay in Rome. On our last day in Rome, we were returning to our hotel after an afternoon walk to the Colosseum and the Trevi fountain. My wife decided that she wanted to stop at a clothing store about a half a block from our hotel. She asked me to stay outside because she had spotted a necktie that she wanted to purchase as a surprise present for me. I obligingly waited outside, watching Italians and visitors sun themselves on the upper landing of the world-famous Spanish steps.

Inside the clothing shop, my wife had selected the necktie with the assistance of a very courteous store clerk. Her difficulties began when she offered her American Express credit card to pay for the tie. The card caught the attention of the sales clerk, and he assumed that my wife was an American (I guess it did not occur to the clerk that American Express issues cards to citizens of just about every country). The clerk proceeded to launch into a tirade about the US military attacking Iraq. My wife made no reply to his verbal outburst, paid for the tie, and rejoined me outside the store. As we entered our hotel she told me about her experience in the clothing shop. I wanted to return to the shop to confront the clerk, but my wife convinced me to let the matter go.

We were staying at the Intercontinental Hotel, which is owned by a British company that is very attentive to the needs of its patrons. When I informed the manager of the treatment my wife had received at the clothing store just a half a block away, he said that the hotel would contact the owners of the shop and lodge a complaint. I am confident that the hotel manager followed through on his promise to contact the store manager, because luxury hotels dislike anything that will mar the stay of a patron.

Travelers, and especially US citizens, should be aware that when their country is involved in military action or sanctions against a foreign adversary it could pose problems. I don’t advertise that I am an American when I travel. I avoid displaying flags, wearing pins, caps, or T-shirts that might reveal my nationality. I strongly suggest that you exhibit the same caution. Always check with the State Department for any alerts issued for the area you plan to visit. Another good source of information on local trouble spots is your hotel manager. You should know as much as possible about your travel destination before you arrive.

- Henry E. Collins

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