Parisians Refuse to Be Terrorized

Wrapping up three carefree days in Paris, it occurred to me that many Americans are not traveling here because they think it's dangerous or tense. While security is good -- as it should be these days -- I felt no tension here.

By the way, isn't it true that if we overreact emotionally and illogically to the threat of terrorism, we are in effect "aiding and abetting the enemy?" People who overreact are unwittingly rewarding the terrorists, making them more powerful than they actually are. Today, Parisians have a new phrase for going out: "going to a terrace." Back in November 2015, terrorists shot up a restaurant's terrace, but the French refuse to cede that territory to the enemy. Bravo!

In this clip, I share my impromptu thoughts during rush hour at the St. Lazare train station as I'm on my way to the French countryside.

This is Day 35 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I'm reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.