London Attacks: Close Call

The recent terrorist attacks in London have struck a bit of a cord with me lately. Especially considering that the location of one of the cars police found was parked in front of a night club myself and several of my study abroad mates frequented: "Tiger Tiger." It's even located on Haymarket Street where our weekly gatherings and NCAA 2006 Men's Basketball celebration at American Sports Cafe took place. The link below shows a clip of the proximity the car found was in relation to the club that had a reported 2,000 people inside the 3 story massive night club.

http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=9ce6764e-ede1-41fa-af6f-325a31094b26&f=00&fg=copy

It's been over a year and 1 month since I was in London, but none-the-less there is still a big part of me that has great appreciation and love for The City that was home to me for several of the best months of my life. It's even the inspiration behind this blog. The thought of what may have potentially ensued is frightening. I'm just glad there was ample time to diffuse the situation. Its situations like these that make wonder if perhaps I am a little too confident in these big cities. Should I be more cautious? More reserved? More suspicious? I'd like to think 'No' because I generally feel safe (have felt safe) in both New York and London. I'm not one to live fearful of what may occur, but these events certainly make one question whether more caution should be taken. I mean is there really anything that could be done? Are there really any precautions? Something interesting my father always tells me before I hang up the phone with him is he reminds me to "always be aware." I'd like to think I'm generally an observant citizen-- never one to walk oblivious to my surrounds, but never one to walk paranoid either.

The heightened security around New York does bring relief and in some sense unity to The City. I hope, people are more alert (not cautious) about their surroundings and looking out for the well-being of the great majority. Interesting how these are things I have to consider now living in New York.