Ask a foreigner

[Friday]

The UK is reeeeeally big on whistles.

There are a zillion & one rape-whistles, rape-alarms. One of many? >>> Empowered by Ashley | Personal Safety Alarm for Women | UK

In the US, everyone is annoyed/ignores alarms.

They’re taken quite seriously in the UK. Like unattended bags, there’s solid history there. (Boom). That breaks most American brains. Throwing your property away is stupid, not “call 911/999). <<< Um, so, yeah… I’ve used THAT (the unattended bag thing, a time or six, when I’ve found myself in trouble. By THROWING my bag into a crowd, as I’m being shoved down an alley. Gets police response faster than firing a pistol). Someone snatches me Up? THROW my bag, at people, and the person attempting the snatch swears and runs off, or stabs me and runs off swearing. The UK is also reeeeeeeally good at stab wounds. Never been treated better, faster, anywhere in the world.

^^^ ALL OF THIS ^^^ Is not a normal UK experience. It’s far more like going to Canada, to go to the UK. EXCEPT THAT it was a walking/horses “country” for so many thousands of years that everything is next to everything else (except Cornwall, the Hebrides, etc.). The UK? Is TINY… TEENY TINY... think Rhode Island it’s bitsy. And at war with itself. It’s reeeeeeally hard to find wild-country, in the Uk. It does exist. But it’s rare. And there is no better country in the world for CCTV.

***

The EU as a WHOLE? That is a mixed fawking dish.

When I’m touristing, not working, the EU… I carry “lighters”. Both pockets, for both hands. Individual countries vary sooooooo much in what is legal/not legal… but lighters in your fists are never illegal. Even though most people don’t smoke, anymore, it’s culturally accepted… everywhere. Lighters are not premeditated violence, they’re defending yourself, with whatever is available.

 

[Freida]

not sure if it's legal in Europe but a self defense teacher told his class to always carry a small can of spray paint if you don't want to carry a gun. Spray them in the face and not only do you blind them but you mark them to be easily identified

 

[Teasel]

This says you could have pepper spray in France, would need a permit in Belgium, and it's illegal in the UK and the Netherlands.

Is Pepper Spray legal in Europe? Country-by-Country Guide

Understand the varying legalities of pepper spray ownership across European countries. Stay informed to ensure compliance and personal safety.

pepspray.com

Honestly, I've never carried any form of protection at any time in my life.

Hope your friend enjoys their trip

 

[Lost in the Woods]

I like the spray paint idea but I imagine it could blind the perp. Hmmmm, I have never heard of a blind mugger. There may be a few blind former muggers around.

I am the most nonviolent person I know. I can’t watch an action movie without clutching the seat cushion. That said when I do multi day bicycle trips I do carry a gun. Often I am far away from anything except I am a half mile from the border and all sorts of stuff goes on under cover of darkness. I carry a small 38 Smith and Wesson 5 shot 38 revolver. The first two shots are snake shot and the last 3 are quality personal protection rounds. I have never pointed it at a human but I have dispatched several rattle snakes with it. I have mixed feelings about the gun thing but having it when I am camping in places the Border Patrol doesn’t even go does give a little peace of mind.

Here in Arizona no permits are required for either open or concealed carry. I don’t see too many people open carrying in town but there are some. I think they are looked upon as being weirdos. Lots of people carry concealed, I am not one of them except when I am camping alone in questionable places. To me the little S&W is just a tool that hopefully will never be needed.

 

[notsurewheretoturn]

Its illegal to carry guns, bladed items or mace/pepper spray in the UK.

Knives will get you arrested just for carrying, as will mace/pepper spray.

Guns on the other hand will invoke a very fast response from a lot of very large police persons all of whom will be carrying massive guns - and they will use them!

Most people in the UK don't carry protection, but they do carry personal alarms.

 

[Friday]

Most people in the UK don't carry protection, but they do carry personal alarms.

Hence why whistles, alarms, & lighters are… bliss.

Those who do? Have something they value to lose. Which also bumps them a class, imo, which concerns police. As police in thenUK asrensuuuuuper class subservient. As if there’s a “reason”? All f*ckin kinda nds ade invoked/absolved.

 

[Charbella]

Do people in other countries have mandatory helmet laws for bikers? Is there a culture of stupidity where helmets are concerned? I can’t believe there was a mask mandate and yet there are no helmet laws. Crash today on the road I live on neither wearing helmets.

 

[Lost in the Woods]

In the US helmet laws are state by state. Here in Arizona they are not required. I can’t believe people are so stupid as to ride without one, but they do. I would not get on a motorcycle without one, the same goes for a bicycle. Here, ER docs refer to motorcycles as donorcycles for good reason.

 

[notsurewheretoturn]

In the UK it is illegal to ride a motorbike without wearing a helmet, but it doesn't stop some stupid idiots doing it, they just chance not being spotted or reported.

Unfortunately it is legal to ride a motorbike without leathers or other safety clothing. So it's quite a common occurrence to see another stupid idiot riding at top speed wearing a helmet, t-shirt, shorts and trainers. Come off a bike at speed in that and you're going to be in a world of pain.

 

[Lost in the Woods]

You are absolutely correct. I learned the hard way about wearing the proper clothing. It gets expensive quick. My helmet cost just under US$ 1,000. For jackets I have 3. In honor of you Brits I have a traditional Belstaff. I have a cold weather jacket with armor. A mesh jacket with amor that I use for desert riding. Jackets run from $500 up. For pants I usually just wear Levi’s which isn’t the smartest thing. I have two sets of pants with armor, one was $500 and the other less than half that, the cheaper ones are far better. For boots I have 2 pairs. One is an expensive Italian MX boot that goes for $700, I got mine for $80 from a guy who was selling off everything he had trying to save his home from foreclosure. I almost felt bad about that. They are the ultimate in protection but you can’t walk distance in them. I ride alone often in the desert so I have to be able to hike out if needed.

So getting kitted out will run $2,000 to $2,500. That is a crazy amount so it is understandable that young guys might skimp, but they are the ones that need it most. The single most important item is a really good helmet. Next is a good jacket with body amor. For the rest, good surgeons can usually fix most problems.

 

[RainbowSearchParty]

I may be geo-locating myself with this question buuuut …. How does everyone feel about pizza? Do you fold it or not? And how do you feel about dipping it in ranch dressing?

(Currently eating pizza avec le ranch and curious about your feelings).

 

[Teasel]

I like pizza. Especially thin crust Italian pizza. I don't fold it.
We get some stuff in takeaway places called garlic & herb dip.
Tastes pretty much like ranch dressing to me. Though maybe a bit tangier. I like it.