Anirudh Tomer

Anirudh Tomer

I enjoy conducting scientific work, visiting mountains, cooking, landscape photography, and solving problems. I am currently doing statistics/machine learning in the field of medical science and biology for a living.

Germany (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)

I visited Germany multiple times for solo hiking trips, with friends, and also with my wife. However, on each trip, I experienced racism in some or another form. For example, someone in a car showing me the middle finger and saying the word too when I was walking in Mittenwald. In one particular restaurant, when I asked for an English menu, the waiter replied in German that perhaps it would suit me better if I ask for one in Arabic. I visited Germany a few more times despite these incidences because my wife wanted to see Munich and Berlin. Overall, I do not intend to revisit Germany for hiking purposes.

Trails

Multiple trails in Garmisch Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, Eifel national park, and Berchtesgaden.

Food

Germany has its local food and beer culture, and I found that interesting. Contrary to what people may think, there are many different types of local cuisine in Germany. Although the food is simple, it is likely the better one among all Germanic countries and worth an experience. Local German bread with Ragi and local German beer is probably among the best I have had in Europe.

Transportation

I never tried hitchhiking in Germany. Public transport is expensive but high quality and reliable.

People

I have had multiple first-hand experiences of facing racism and have had many friendly experiences. I accepted both because this is how the world is, and one cannot travel expecting only positive experiences everywhere. I am grateful to all the German people on CouchSurfing who shared their house and food with me.

Special Experiences

Sauna at my CouchSurfing host's place in Mittenwald. The view of Berchtesgaden valley from a mountain top was incredible. The moonlight was getting reflected from snowy peaks, and the cloud inversion below illuminated by lights from the houses. Just wonderful.