Originally Posted by
dhuey
There seems to be something oddly scarier about violence in a far-away place than violence closer to home. Despite many mass-killing tragedies here in the USA, many Americans see the attacks in Paris and vow never to go there (too dangerous). Likewise, the OP surely knows of terrorism dangers in Belgium, but something about crime in the USA seems particularly scary.
It's generally the everybody is carrying a gun part. :-)
Average Belgian goes to BXL...as much as the average Californian goes to Washington D.C.
But ok.. I travel more... and I visit the airport more.. so yes.. I have experience with our soldiers carrying weapons at BRU. Anyway.. the reason I have put this post is because nobody can really assess dangers of a place where you don't live. It's not to give the States a negative air.
Btw, when looking for a cheap motel you could end up in places you don't want to even if your daytime is touristy.