Is it safe for Americans to travel in Germany?

[lowertheboom]

I have a female friend that is going home to Paderborn, Germany this summer. Out of the blue she invited me to come out and visit her this summer. I have a passport and I found cheaper flights to get there. However, I have never traveled out of the United States ever and there is a growing anti-American sentiment going on in the world. So I wonder if it is safe for me to travel to Paderborn,or Germany for that matter. I don't want to get jumped and beaten solely because I am American. I know alot of the world cheered when Obama was elected and most of the world, is starting to get faith back in America. Will that carry over into my trip?

P.S.- It probably doesn't help my thinking that I watched HOSTEL for the first time ever just last week.

 

[K_B]

Of course you'll be safe. Well, as safe as you would be anywhere in the world, including America. If you're an idiot and you step out in front of a car, or go around stating how great America and how rubbish everyone else is, then yes you're going to end up in trouble. If you take correct precautions, as with anywhere in the world you should be fine.

Germany is a Westernised country, I don't think it'll be the same culture shock as if you went to India or Thailand.

Try and learn a few simple german words, be polite, always say thank you and please in German if you can, because whenever you're in another country, it's always appreciated if you try and speak something in the native language, even if you're rubbish at it!

Just be sensible, keep your head about you, but enjoy learning about another culture, etc, etc.

I'd definitely recommend travelling around, learning, experiencing.

Good luck.