To attempt to answer your questions:

1) No, language will not be a particular challenge per se. You can usually find someone who will speak English, or at least be able to communicate the essentials. That said, it’s extremely helpful if you study a few key phrases for each place you go in a guidebook. You’d be amazed how far things like &quotlease", "thank you", "excuse me", and "do you speak English?" will get you. Also, people tend to be more polite when you at least make an effort to address them in their language, even though they’ll probably immediately switch to English.

2) You’re no more likely to have any racism problems in Europe as you are in Toronto. Sure, there are racist crackpots everywhere, but they’re not the majority. It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter any kind of hostility or problems.

Have a great time!

Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely keep them in mind…

quote:
To attempt to answer your questions:

1) No, language will not be a particular challenge per se. You can usually find someone who will speak English, or at least be able to communicate the essentials. That said, it’s extremely helpful if you study a few key phrases for each place you go in a guidebook. You’d be amazed how far things like &quotlease", "thank you", "excuse me", and "do you speak English?" will get you. Also, people tend to be more polite when you at least make an effort to address them in their language, even though they’ll probably immediately switch to English.

2) You’re no more likely to have any racism problems in Europe as you are in Toronto. Sure, there are racist crackpots everywhere, but they’re not the majority. It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter any kind of hostility or problems.

Have a great time!