First, thank you for your comment and warning. I was aware of the turmoil in the city dating back to the 70s. But I wasn’t aware there were still issues with the city today — at least any that were as bad or maybe worse than any Western city.

And you don’t have to elaborate on what happened to your friend, obviously, as that’s very traumatic. I’m very sorry to hear that.

However, can you give basic tips on how one should prepare for a visit here, or how one should carry him/her/themselves in Kingston? I’m determined to visit here, as there’s so much cultural history I need to see. On the other hand, if there are steps I need to take to protect anyone involved, I do want to take them.

I knew it was bad (the murder stats are worse than New York City, for example), but I didn’t realize how bad. I’m sorry about your friend. I’m sure the police weren’t much help, either. It’s been 10 years since I was last there.

My family and heritage are there, but I was born in Canada. The very last time I visited, our family was in Kingston. We wanted to catch a bus to visit another aging relative when the bus drivers were man-handling and harrassing my older brother in and out of one of the buses. My mom had to yell for them to let go of him. It seemed so unreal at the time, but thinking back on it, something worse could’ve happened at that moment. Yeah, anyone who’s out there, beware!