I've been mostly lucky throughout my travels however I want to share two incidents with everyone today.
USA 2011
I was walking along the Las Vegas strip taking pictures and I sat down opposite the Belagio hotel after taking some pictures of the fountain. I was exhausted lugging my SLR clamped down on the heavy tripod. I was watching people walking past me and wondering where I could go next to shoot some pictures.
This small group of African-Americans walks past and one of them makes a comment calling me a brown-mofo and something else I don't clearly remember now. He was clearly high and smoking a joint with his friends as they walked past cussing all the time, not only at me but at others sitting nearby. Based on their looks and demeanour I felt like they were part of a gang or just trying act tough.
Soon 3 locals about my age sat down next to me. We got talking and I shared with them this incident. Moments later that same guy who hurled abuse at me ended up being arrested right in front of us! I'm not sure of the laws but it seems they found drugs on him.
He had also hurled abuses at other people in the area and maybe someone may have called the cops on his racial abuses. I didn't really feel bad because I anticipated something like this would happen at some point in my travel.
On the bright side I spent the night hanging out with my new friends and exploring the area and it turned out just great!
Rest of my travel through the United States was amazing and I have met some incredible people there who are my friends even today!
Amsterdam 2016
I was on my way to meet my friend 
As I was just hanging up on my call with Shannon confirming our plan, this guy in the picture below walks towards me and spits on the window! I was shocked and annoyed but again these things can happen and it didn't really affect me directly as there was a window between us.
When you're abroad and traveling you can't really expect the local law and enforcement to help you. I just let it go in both occasions but took a picture as a grim reminder that things can go unexpected and not everyone is the same. Besides India has so much racism and I've faced worser situations in my own country to feel bad about either of these situations.
I met Shannon later that night and we celebrated my last couple of days in the Netherlands. Alls well that ends well eh?
I'm from India in case you are wondering about my nationality. I've been to 10 countries so far and 7 of them have been solo travel. In the year to come I hope to visit another 10 countries or more. Hopefully without such experiences!
Have you faced any racism during your travels. Feel free to share it in the comments below or if you post about it link me up.
If you like my work kindly resteem it to your friends. You may also continue reading my recent posts which might interest you:
- You Can Now Buy Your SteemFest³ Tickets!
- Why You Should Vote For @firepower As Witness—Witness Campaign Post From India!
- Steem.Chat Contest #41
Follow Me: 