I want to travel to Russia and Germany but im very scared, please advice?

Question

im an african young black woman in my early 20s. My grandfather went to Germany for university in the days of colonialism. He was in Europe in the late 1950s and early 60s. Understandably, he encountered alot of racism. In most places, he was the first black person that the natives had seen and he used to tell me horror stories but nevertheless, he loved Europe, He loved Germany, and he still spoke German up until his death. I have a passion for travel but im a bit aprehensive about vising Germany and Russia. I will be going there but im excited and nervous as the same time. I dont know what to expect. Will the locals hate me because im black? will I receive any comments? any racial slurs? remarks?

The reason im so scared is because I went to Stockholm last year and encountered so much racism. I spent my holiday locked up in my hotel room crying and It was a really bad experience. I would hate to have the same thing in Germany and Russia.

Answer 1

Russia might be a problem  but i really have no idea but Germany like England is mixed up with all colours these days  as are Austria and France

Answer 2

I do not know about Russia but I do know that you will not have that problem in Germany. There is only ONE group that would ever hassle you and they are illegal anyways. the Skin Heads, but they are much more contained than in the 90's so I think you are very safe going to Germany.

I go every year. If you try to speak their language as often as you can they will appreciate you for it. Get to know the bus and train schedules and routes for where you will be. I am sure you will have a blast.

As for Russia I simply do not know and am not going to say anything bad about them with out any knowledge of it.

Have fun.

HIMLER You are DEAD wrong. I went to Germany twice with a ***** and there was racism in the former East so I saw plenty!! Please do not tell me what i know and do not know I have been going to your Country for over 18 years! I have seen Skin Heads and Alwin is correct totally! You are also wrong about the East that is where I go almost ALL the time. for someone from Germany you must be real young still!! I LIVED in Germany too. Not in the Military either, in Weimar with a woman from there!

Answer 3

I must apologize for my fellow country lads, but racism is abundant in Germany. In the bigger cities, you're safe, as long as you're in the tourist areas, or in neighborhoods where they are used to a mixed crowd. Berlin should be a safe place to go. But staying with a friend in Germany and get some company should be the best idea, I think.

As to Russia, I don't have the slightest idea. I was in Kiew, Ukraine, for a weekend, accompanied by a friend who's from there. My impression was that they don't like foreigners of every kind, be they white or black. I'd avoid eastern Europe like h**l.

Answer 4

I got lost in Berlin going from Alexanderplatz to the Brandenburg Gate (misintrpreted the directions---it's a strait shot..lol) I ended up wandering thru different neighborhoods but had the BEST time of my life talking to the locals. It was bittersweet finding it, though, as I was afraid my experience was short lived. But I found Dresden a wonderful place as well. Be optimistic and have a great time. Take lots of pics!

Answer 5

I lived in Moscow a few years ago. Unfortunately, it is dangerous for black people. Try not to go out at night or alone, particularly avoid the metro after dark.

There are gangs of neo-n***s who go looking for foreigners, and black and asian people stand out. In 2003 a fire was set in a dorm of the Patrice Lumumba University and 40 students from Africa died. Even though the survivors reported seeing Russian youths setting the fire and running away, the police officially declared it was due to an "electrical fault".

And be sure to carry your passport and visa at all times, as the police will disproportionately target you for checks. Also, you will need to register your hotel and get a stamp in your passport. you will have problems with the police if you don't get this.

In Germany, you may meet rude people but it is not dangerous.

Answer 6

Despite your usual share of idiots Germany is one of

the safest places on earth. I don't think you'll have any

serious issues at all. And racism, specially in tourist

regions, isn't really an issue. There are idiots everywhere.

But they are few.

I'd be careful with Russia though. Depending where you

plan to go it might or might not be a safe place. I've been

there a few times and my opinion on this is very split.

Answer 7

Some of the answers above about Russia are exaggeration: there have always lived many blacks in Moscow and other large cities without any problems. Welcome to Russia!

Answer 8

You don't need to be worry about Germany, is safe and nice place. Some idiots you can find I guess all over the world, but in Germany you don't need to stay all the time in your Hotel room. I can tell you not much about Russia, but I know one thing, this place is not on my traveling list. I don't like the politic and human rights not much there.

So enjoy your Germany trip and good luck.

Answer 9

I would like to agree to the above answerers but unfortunately I can't legally seen they gave correct answers there are only small groups of racists in Germany but in the former East Germany (DDR) they are very dominant so  I would rather not go there.Former West Germany is a safe place no racism there except for some minority idiots.

Russia I don't know much because it is a long time I haven't been there there are racist tendencies towards people from the Caucasus region in Russia but I never heard of anything else.

@wulf you never came in contact with german racism because you are white sorry I don't like saying what I said  but it is the truth.

@thumbs down: I 'd appreciate people not living in Germany not to give votes by opinion but by reality!!!I am living in Germany right now and can read News in German !!

@Bernd you seem to be one of the few people unable reding News sorry there is a big difference between East and west Germany !!What you are doing has nothing to do with beeing proud of our country but with beeing irresponsible !! If you need proof check results of regional election for the east german states NPD far right party (they are not elected in west germany but they are in East Germany) !!!!

Answer 10

first of all Germany is a wonderful place, including the eastern part.

don't believe the BS Hilmar S is writing about.

Its unsafe in Bavaria the same way as in Sachsen or any other place in Germany. Brainless people are everywhere, also in Germany and if you stay away from them it should not bother you.

There are neo-n***s groups in germany, but in all regions, Bavaria too! and neo-n***s are in many countrys around the world but, and here comes the good part of it: they are a minority and we HATE them!!!! as well as you do.

I am proud of Germany and I am proud that people like you can safely travel & visit our country.

You are more than welcome!