This is from my original facebook post, I just thought everyone should read it ok sorry.
I had literally never witnessed full on racism irl until about a month ago. So I'm at a very packed pub with my friend who is travelling here from Tokyo, Japan, and we go to the bathroom upstairs and I notice there is quite a drunk man outside, whom decides to drunkly greet me(whatever) then he started to speak Italian to someone who seemed to be in a toilet in the ladies bathroom. shook it off, but whilst I'm in the bathroom I hear him say "alright mate" several times in a really forced English accent outside. my friend, who speaks very little English, didn't understand and told him so. The man proceeded to talk to him and said "what are you? From fucking Japan?" And now I noticed he actually had a very strong Italian accent, my friend said "yes I am from Japan" and then the man started calling him several racist names. I got out of the ladies room in fury and said "what the hell are you doing mate?" and he went raging, asking me if I'm from "fucking turkey" and that I shouldn't question what he is doing. I said to him that the man he is talking to is my friend and he shouldn't be rude. And that I was born and raised in England so if he wants to be racist even more im not the right person as technically he is in "my" country. He started to get closer and started shouting abusive words to me really loudly (which got alot of peoples attention) and as I walked down the stairs starting spitting towards me. I was then greeted by a bunch of drunken men groping me and calling me "beautiful" which even made me angrier. But I called the manager and told them what happened and they went straight upstairs to throw him out. I hope they taught him a lesson, we left as soon as we could. I cannot believe that stupid drunken racism like that is actually happening. My friend thanked me and said I was very brave, which made me feel awesome as a female who can stick up for herself and others around her. I could've just not said anything to him, but there's nothing more i hate than I racist or sexist. I'm glad the bar managers were black/mixed race aswell, probably would've scared him for life that he was being racist in a "non white" persons pub and that he should think twice before thinking that pubs are all run by white conservative men. What a douche bag. --feeling drunk.
COUCH-SURFING
Whilst I was away in Australia earlier in the beginning of this year, I got told through word of mouth about a site called "couch surfing", - at first, just hearing the name, it sounded odd to me, "couch.. surfing?" huh, what? - but turns out it's one of the best sites a non-luxury traveller/backpacker could know about.
Couch Surfing is an online space to meet and interact with other travellers, and ultimately, have a place to crash when travelling.
Here's a brief, you are either hosting/ looking for a host, and you put down what country you are doing so in. Then, if you are hosting, someone from another country who is travelling comes and stays at your place or on your "couch" for however many days you have discussed for free, and vice versa. Now this may sound a little odd. Having a place to stay for free? At a strangers? Wouldn't that be a little.. risky/dodgy? Well, the whole point of Couch Surfing is to exchange language, knowledge, culture, travelling tips, and etc. It's by no means an accommodation or hostel provider, it's strictly for adventurous people who love travelling.
After Australia, I knew I was going to be travelling alot, so I thought I would join. Since then, I've met some really nice people who also travel. I haven't hosted/stayed with a host, but I have met travellers for drinks/hang outs (it gives you the non-hosting/non-travelling, "I can hang out" option on your profile) - and actually it has been really useful to me, as it has given me the chance to finally meet a few Japanese people I can actually converse with, who have by the way taught me more about Japan and living there than any other biased site (and as you know I've needed reliable non-biased information for my move) - I've had a great experience and made new friends/connections, making my life as someone who is travelling solo often easier.
What I really like about the site is that it's completely 100% travelling related, you can see all the countries someone has visited on their profile, and so can other people, you can put down countries you want to visit, and countries you will be visiting in the future, along with a date and description. There are also language/cultural meet ups.
I would certainly recommend couch surfing to anyone who is interested in meeting other cultural people/if you are travelling. It's an interesting experience and can be useful to anyone.
PS- I think I'm the only 17 year old on that site, I'm sorry I should really be 27.
Happy travels.
Couch Surfing is an online space to meet and interact with other travellers, and ultimately, have a place to crash when travelling.
Here's a brief, you are either hosting/ looking for a host, and you put down what country you are doing so in. Then, if you are hosting, someone from another country who is travelling comes and stays at your place or on your "couch" for however many days you have discussed for free, and vice versa. Now this may sound a little odd. Having a place to stay for free? At a strangers? Wouldn't that be a little.. risky/dodgy? Well, the whole point of Couch Surfing is to exchange language, knowledge, culture, travelling tips, and etc. It's by no means an accommodation or hostel provider, it's strictly for adventurous people who love travelling.
After Australia, I knew I was going to be travelling alot, so I thought I would join. Since then, I've met some really nice people who also travel. I haven't hosted/stayed with a host, but I have met travellers for drinks/hang outs (it gives you the non-hosting/non-travelling, "I can hang out" option on your profile) - and actually it has been really useful to me, as it has given me the chance to finally meet a few Japanese people I can actually converse with, who have by the way taught me more about Japan and living there than any other biased site (and as you know I've needed reliable non-biased information for my move) - I've had a great experience and made new friends/connections, making my life as someone who is travelling solo often easier.
What I really like about the site is that it's completely 100% travelling related, you can see all the countries someone has visited on their profile, and so can other people, you can put down countries you want to visit, and countries you will be visiting in the future, along with a date and description. There are also language/cultural meet ups.
I would certainly recommend couch surfing to anyone who is interested in meeting other cultural people/if you are travelling. It's an interesting experience and can be useful to anyone.
PS- I think I'm the only 17 year old on that site, I'm sorry I should really be 27.
Happy travels.
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