This Video is 91% Positive. My Day in Leipzig, Germany.

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

Wow, that was scary. It reminds me of my 'crazy lady' encounter in Berlin and the Politzei. Apparently Germans take their privacy VERY seriously, but it can really shake you up when you've done nothing wrong and confronted in a foreign country. Fortunately you're fine, and your camera survived to tell the tale.

[@steve-marsh]

Mate we are both marked men in Germany eh!? :D

[@michaelkobylko2969]

The fact it took so long to get proper Street View coverage in Germany compared to the rest of Europe is quite telling. Also, there are far more blocked out houses etc on German Street View than most other places. Germany also has far fewer CCTV cameras per head than, say, the UK or USA. They really do take privacy extremely seriously and there is a suspicion around filming, particularly in the old East. That being said, Steve's experience seems more like an encounter with street criminals than a negative encounter with German privacy culture.

[@bmofano]

@@steve-marsh were they native germans?

[@john07973]

​@@bmofanoI know what you're getting at. Did you see Mrs Balkan Beggar outside the church earlier ? Unfortunately due to limp wristed governments and Police they're all over Europe including UK nowadays .

[@FlatDerrick]

@@michaelkobylko2969 It sounds nothing like street criminals and everything like the Polizei. As the woman in the shop who saw them knew full well if you work in a dodgy area in Germany, you have to 'not see' lots of things the police are empowered to do by the populace (see @bmofanos ridiculous reply) regardless of the law.

[@elirome6978]

You are the first vlogger that showed my hometown not only from the center, but from many perspectives to show its diversity. Thank you for that. It is so unfortunate what you experienced. Connewitz is the ultra left neighborhood of Leipzig where there are often fights with the police. If they thought you were an undercover cop I am not surprised about their reactions. Really bad luck, I feel so angry towards those guys. I hope you come back one day, would not mind showing you around a bit more :)

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! I had such a wonderful time in your city and I love it! These people and the situation at the end can happen anywhere, I won't let the small minded ones win :) Thanks for the welcome from 99.9% of the people there!

[@damianb2374]

My personal encounters with that lot (ultra, militant left) over decades is that they are never really leftwing, nor socialist, nor egalitarian, but usually just loudmouth egotists. They probably saw the numbers on your videos Steve and that resonated with them as probably live completely online.

[@richardmurray2068]

That area is synonomous with ultras of Chemie Leipzig, they are part of this loony left mindset and despite saying all the right things in reality are pretty nasty characters who ironically dont take well to views that dont align with their own, Ive been to over 100 staddiums in Germany and only once experienced what you did and that was at Babelsburg who have fans with the same mentality, their parnoia and sense of self importance is off the scale and typically behave how they did to you when they are 4 to 1 and think they can be the big men!

[@callumkent7155]

How stupid that ultra left neighbourhoods exist. Why is Germany becoming so radical left

[@fabl4232]

​@@steve-marshI wanna tell you what probably happenend to you. These were left wing guys who were afraid that you're a right wing or Neonazi who goes to connewitz to film 'targets'. People, shops etc. In the past there were several attacks from Neonazis in connewitz. Also Neonazis have lists with names, addresses and pictures of left wing people. So thats why they react like that to filming their safe space. It has a long history. I wanted to make it as short as possible.

[@kasamuifn]

Hi Steve, Thanks for your Video. The guys you probably filmed were members of the extreme left winged party. They are afraid of their enemys for checking them. So it is possible that they thought your are a political enemy of them. I‘m sorry that you had to make this experience. I was born in Leipzig and i love to live here. Your Video brings me the perspective of the tourists of my hometown. Thats quite interessting for me because i am an touristguide for Leipzig. To see whats im important for you, helps me to make my tours better.

[@chrisklein1445]

How can you tell there were extrem left ? Maybe they were extrem right or just simply people who didn’t want to be filmed

[@Thunderpuddle]

Great video Steve. Terrible incident. Glad you are ok. On a trip to Hamburg, my first and only, I stepped up from the main train station into a riot of Neo-Nazis and those that turned up to fight them, along with riot police. As they rushed each other, I was there, the little English guy with his backpack on, a Police officer came up to 'twat' me with his baton, I remember just going; "I'm English!" The Police officer then just went, sounding like Arnie, "Getdaf*ck outtahere!"... I still enjoyed Hamburg, but needed a very stiff drink after that.

[@martinjohnston6685]

get to the chopper lol

[@chrispietryga8710]

In January 1979, aged 25, I arrived at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof from the UK to start my new job as an English teacher at Leipzig Uni. In those days it was called Karl Marx Uni and was housed in what you experienced as the Panorama Tower. The city was experiencing electricity rationing due to shortage of fuel for the power stations....opencast mines had all frozen solid, so no brown coal . It was dark and cold at the station and no shopping concourse, but lots of uniforms...East German and Soviet....it was like the start of a spy film. There was definitely NO ACCESS to the public at the Tower, we had to show our ID to get into the lifts...the viewing platform that cost you five euros was not there as the top floors were only accessible to certain "officials"... aka Stasi. I spent eighteen months there, made many friends and had a few adventures too! I am now seventy and have lost touch with people I knew, but have fond memories of a much simpler Leipzig. Thanks so much for showing me around my old stomping ground, I never returned after the Wall came down, didn't want to burst the bubble, and judging from your frightening experience, I'm glad I didn't.

[@steve-marsh]

What a time to be there, wow, thanks for sharing!!!

[@spidyman8853]

I was in East Berlin before the wall came down. I was glad I experienced a world that has now vanished. I found the East Berliners kind and friendly to foreigners at the time. I didn't learn German at school, I just picked up German from the street. Years later, I have completely forgotten German. But the memories will stay with me.

[@RobertSmith-jl4yw]

I moved there from the UK just after the Wall had come down and lived with my E. German girlfriend who taught English at the K.-M. University. DM70- per month for a lovely old Art Nouveau flat in the Sellerhaeuser Strasse, Anger Crottendorf. I stayed until 1998 when I moved to Australia. Those early years were so exciting and interesting with numerous side trips to other European countries. I learnt German there, also as I went along. I still return now and again with family to visit a couple of still very good (German) friends. Leipzig is still nice, but each time just a little worse than the time before (same with everywhere else it has to be said). Couple of things: The station is Europe's largest terminal station, and it has (or did when I was there) Germany's 2nd largest tram network - a good one at that. I was there again briefly in September. I missed all the old Wartburgs and Trabants, even if they were awful.

[@cbrun1669]

Hi Steve. I once got mugged on a holiday much in the way that you have described. I only lost my travel wallet and a little bit of cash but the experience left me shocked. Your reaction is a very normal, and healthy, one. Going into survival mode takes its toll on our bodies and minds. Don't be surprised if you're feeling down for days, weeks maybe even longer. Just know that what you've experienced is scary and that you reacted very well! Hope you feel better soon. Ps. If you're wanting to talk about it over a pint/coffee, I'm in Edinburgh anyways. Cheers for the content.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much pal, ay eat was the scariest experience of my life to be honest, but thankfully I had a good tourist experience the next day to help me get over it! (next week's video) Cheers for the offer!

[@stu5335]

The camera doesn't matter and in all honesty the SD cards don't matter. The only priceless thing to everyone of your subscribers and everyone that you know is you. Stay safe out there but don't let one incident within your years of doing this ruin anything for you. Puts the being told off on an aeroplane or ferry terminal into perspective though eh 😉

[@steve-marsh]

Aye so true! I was shaken up a bit by it, but still love the city!

[@CallieMasters5000]

Don't let your light go out, Steve, because you shine brightly with positivity, even at the advanced age of 50! You've got miles to go before you rest... literally, you walk a lot in your videos, so keep on doing your thing here. Stay safe!

[@kudzumoose3861]

I like the way this comment stated it. You do shine brightly and I look forward to every submission. Keep on.

[@CyclingRobinToronto]

Steve, in my career I have been trained to the hilt by security and one thing that has been drilled into me for the past 25 years is to always be aware of ones surroundings and never get distracted. Even the slightest distraction can put one in harm's away (you should see me at a bank machine--glares galore and fighting stance). Goodness, even here in Toronto it has become bad to the point that my phone is kept in my pocket so all my senses are on full alert and that is just for errands midday. I saw a video from a creator in New York a few years back get confronted as well which was a bit of a close call for him. All to say, though precautions can be taken, once a person starts to film content, that does take away from some of the awareness of the surroundings. I am reaching out due to concern because over the years, on this side of the computer I see a genuine sweet person and to have that happen to you is disheartening. Please don't take my comments as anything like me berating what you do, that is not the intent, rather, it is out of concern and if there can be a silver lining, it would be perhaps to think about ways to ensure that you can still provide your excellent content without putting yourself in harm's way. Like another person mentioned below, things can be replaced but you cannot. I hope that you are feeling better and it can take a bit so look after yourself, R

[@christinehodge3608]

Hope that didn't spoil your day, you were very brave running away from them ,who knows what they would of done to you, l would have run, lol 😊

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for this, and to hear it from someone trained, gives it even more weight. I think I learned a lot from this incident and it will steer me well in future hopefully. I'll keep your words at the front of my mind.

[@CyclingRobinToronto]

@@steve-marsh My wish is that you are safe and that I get to enjoy years more of your content:)

[@Decision-lr7vo]

Steve, you have put yourself at risk many times on your hikes and climbs. We very much appreciates the risks you take to produce such fine videos. I often think about the time you mistakenly got off the train one stop too soon in the dark and freezing cold in the middle of nowhere. We all appreciate what you do for us so take good care of yourself.

[@steve-marsh]

The variety of moments I find myself in is funny when I think about it from the safety of home! :D

[@leonb2637]

That was when he was going to a city near the Russian border. That was scary but thankfully like in today's episode, it didn't get worse.

[@Janiii2106]

Steve, I cannot tell you how sorry I am for this happening to you… I’m really shocked and sad, that this incident happened in my home country. Thankfully you got out of this mess unharmed and with all your possessions. You are certainly my favorite creator here on KZbin and I hope, that you still visit Germany in the future. 🥰 Greetings from Bremen ⚓️

[@YukiTheOkami]

as someone from leipzig i am glad hes ok probaply ran into some left extremists (knowing in wich corner of town he was) who got the wrong idear these folks tent to overreact quite fast wich also is prooven by the fact the guy from the shop he ran into did not wantet to deal with that these folks lite up ur car ur shop ur trashcan u dont mess around with them lets just say besides infamous eisenbahnstraße this corner of town is avoided by anyone who knows better and also has a different option heck i rather would live with my dad in an smaler apartment 2 rooms in a different more nicer place of town than to moove there at least when u cant deal with these type of people or u are unwilling to be a dayly cowerd just so ur car isnt set on fire

[@KoskoBars]

@@YukiTheOkami Similar situation can happen in any Eastern European city but shop owner kicking out a person in need on the street and not calling the Police is unthinkable to me! And I'm from Russia! I think there is something deeply wrong with this. I was in Leipzig just a couple days ago. Absolutely beautiful city. Much better than Dresden or Berlin to my taste... But pro palestinian graffiti left a bitter taste...

[@felix_christopher]

@@YukiTheOkami Eisenbahnstraße is the biggest meme... it's fully gentrified by now and super posh... not „die gefährlichste Straße Deutschlands” any longer... 😂

[@petetaylor2000]

I'm retired now and live in a quiet little village and that's where I'm going to stay. It's a scary world out there and your very brave with what you do, saving the rest of us from doing it!

[@chrisbrown7127]

Sorry you had problems, Steve. You're always polite & respectful to people on your vlogs and it's to your credit. Hang in there as you're essential Saturday lunchtime viewing! 🎉

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Chris! Yeah, it annoys me that people would treat visitors like this, especially people trying to shine positive light on their city!

[@hssh8698]

As a German, I humbly apologize for the bad experience you had. Yes, there are districts in Leipzig that should be avoided, but I had the same experience you described in Manchester. Nonetheless, it doesn't stop me from continuing to explore the world. I really enjoy your travel journals and am always excited when a new video is uploaded. Keep up the great work, and thank you for your amazing effort.

[@FranssensM]

I’m from Manchester, there are places in Manchester you don’t go if you aren’t from there. I’m not a fighter or in gangs they just know my face as I’m there a lot. Apologies for the bad experience in M/cr. I think the genuine good people should do something to take control of our environment and go back to a time when criminals felt uncomfortable to be out in the open. honestly Mcr is not that great a place 😂 go see somewhere really nice.

[@hssh8698]

@@FranssensM Funny enough, I was in Liverpool afterwards, where I had my bike nicked. However, I like the mentality of the people from the North as well as their accent. Most of them are good people with a great sense of humour. What I wanted to point out is that such scenes can be found in every larger city. I just feel sorry that someone as likable as Steve had to go through something like that in my home country.

[@FranssensM]

@ you had a tough time of it in my country. Come back soon. I need a new bike. 😂

[@hssh8698]

@@FranssensM 😂

[@samir-hasanagic8981]

I read your description Steve, and that certainly sounded like a scary and chaotic encounter. I’m glad you’re safe and well and don’t let it ruin your overall experience. After all that stress, it turned out to be a very decent tour around Leipzig. Thank you for that mate.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks mate! I still remember the city fondly!

[@DarthFurball]

@@LittleSparrowFLY yes. They were

[@DarthFurball]

@@LittleSparrowFLY Those in Connewitz are most certainly German

[@Lithium-m2l]

I am deeply saddened about your experiences in Leipzig, which happens to be the city where i live since i was born. I have been following your trips for the last two years and i have been to scotland twice. My wife even calls it her soul's place. I was really excited when i saw your Hauptbahnhof-Challange last week since i would have never imagined you visiting my home city. Connewitz being a troubled neighbourhood does not suprise me at all (unfortunately). Since me and my family have always been treated very friendly and welcoming in scotland (and many other places), i can't tell you how much this incident ashames me. I hope you managed to process these awful events. Please keep up making AND filming your lovely trips.

[@heinrichkoop9189]

Jeez, Steve ... As a German, I feel rather ashamed about the whole incident. From personal experience I can tell you that Leipzig has long been a city where the atmosphere & friendliness of the inhabitants could change from one street to the next, purely depending on how you look ... What a shame to hear that this hasn't changed. And thanks for ccommenting on this with restraint & perspective. And sorry again ...

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for your comment, and please don't apologise for the extreme monitory - 99.99% of German people are absolutely wonderful! :)

[@YukiTheOkami]

i dont think this is nessesarrily the case as a leipzig citicen i asure u its less random than it seams connewitz part of town is known for left extremists wich unfortunatly he crossed the way of such 4 something a tourist does not nessesarrily know as in media the part of town offten is advatices as a liveley niceley quater while in reality well there are some over reactive people walking around in a higher frequency than somewhere else and thats phrased niceley also why the shop guy was not willing to help and said they should sort this out outside i probaply would say same if i was afraid to have my car and shop lit on fire just for caling the police people from leipzig usualy have greate hospitality and are friendly in nature its simply that we unfortunatly have a issue with left extremisim

[@tomhellmich2841]

​@@YukiTheOkamiUm Connewitz macht man am besten einen großen Bogen.

[@lenni8297]

Hi, I am from Leipzig. You are the properly the KZbinr who explored the city the most! Thanks for sharing your experience! The district where you encoutered these dangerous people is called Connewitz. It is a district which considers itselfs as alternative. I am so sorry that you got in this situation. Perhaps it was a big big misunderstanding but this also dosen‘t justify their reaction. I hope you get to see Leipzig another time soon and this bad experience did not scare you off too much. I can recommend visiting Leipzig in spring to summertime. It is a totally different vibe. Next time please go to „Fockeberg“, „Südvorstadt“ (especially Karl-Liebknecht-Straße), „Panometer“, „Clara Zetkin Park“, the zoo is also highly recommendable. When its really hot outside go to one of the many lakes (for example „Cospudener See“ or „Markleebergersee“). Also in the near of the lakes is „Bergbau-Technik-Park e.V.“ which is a place you should definitely check out :)

[@mimamo]

Honestly, I wouldn't be shocked and I would totally understand if he never went to Leipzig again...or even Germany. I am so mad and ashamed these assholes in Connevitz accosted him like that, would do that to any guest coming here. What have we become?

[@steffenpost9071]

@@mimamo I feel alike. It's so embarressing what happens in this country nowadays.

[@Stefan_W69]

I would have called for the police anyway. That's no way to treat a tourist or anyone else for that matter. But our country is not what it used to be for a long time now.

[@TXMEDRGR]

I was so happy to be enjoying your tour of Leizieg until those last few moments, I felt fear for you even watching the aftermath days later and thousands of miles away. I was only chased down the street by a gang once in my life but the fear is still there when I remember the incident. I'm so glad you and your equipment are safe, your adventures are so much fun to share and I would hate any harm to come to you. Please stay safe my friend.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! It's just so obvious I'm a tourist, their reaction was so over the top and it was proper scary. All in the learning curve I guess, the adventures will continue with a little more thought :)

[@lostintheirishsea]

I’m glad you didn’t come to any harm there! My wife always has a sixth sense with dodgy areas/streets when we are on holiday. Thanks for the video.

[@pkjlr77]

Was horrible seeing you at the end Steve, you looked shaken to say the least. Hope you are ok and that the experience doesn't knock your confidence as your videos are brilliant. On a more positive note, just seen that you have passed 100,000 subscribers. What a landmark to pass and very well deserved 👍🙂

[@artistinlederhosen]

firstly, so glad you are ok. i had a weird incident in madrid once, years ago, that freaked me out for days. what is clear, after reading the comments, is that you are admired and treasured by your followers (including myself, here in the u.s.). you are so down to earth and we relate to you and your travels. i first found you when i knew i would be taking a ferry from belfast to scotland. i did a youtube search and there you were. i have been following your weekly pursuits ever since. please take care and know you are appreciated by many both near and far.

[@GlasgowDave]

In my experience 99.9% of people around the world are lovely. I think that means that the contrast when things go wrong is all the more stark. It takes a bit of time afterwards to process what’s happened and put it in context. Then you can get back to feeling good about travel but still retain the necessary eye open for the signs of a dodgy situation. Sounds like you did the best you could with this one and it came to a favourable outcome. Good on you for your sprinting skills. You’ve still got it. 😅 Stay safe, my friend and enjoy your travels!

[@steve-marsh]

Haha a small injection of adrenaline and the legs are still like a 20 year olds :D

[@teresavandal4973]

Steve you definitely have my prayers for tonight as you went through a bit of hell over some jerks who were afraid to be seen!! I am so glad you are safe though because your videos give me a lot of joy!! Please stay safe Sir. I DON'T want to read your time in a hospital or worse yet; your obit!!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! :) I'll stay in close conversation with my instincts from now on!

[@Diana-andre2018]

What a frightening experience for you and I really hope you are ok now, although something like that not always easy to get over straight away. Steve, your videos are truly exceptional and every subscriber to your channel appreciates everything you do, whether it be in the UK or abroad. 😊

[@melvynbuckton6881]

I've spent about 8 hours twice exploring central Leipzig. I was over 70 at the time. was loving your video recognising the places. And using my phone camera. Then comes your attack. I spent 50 years exploring London. Dressed really scruffy including shoes. Never had any trouble. Even not bothered by beggars!

[@Blackadder75]

well, if you looked scruffy, the beggars won;t think you had much to offer to them 😄

[@ychaps]

As a woman who travels alone, this is the reason why I stick to the usual tourist areas. There is always the chance of running into a situation like you experienced. Glad you're okay, and actually impressed that you tried to outrun four youngsters.. can't keep a trail walking Scot down😊

[@steve-marsh]

I can't tell you how comforting it felt to be back in the tourist area after this. But then the adrenaline faded and it was a tough night! But I was back out there filming the next morning :)

[@emiscand]

So sorry this happened Steve. I also travel as a lone female often, though not a vlogger. I play it safe always. Been to Germany many times and German shouting is terrifying. Glad you got out of it safely and well done again for that run.

[@Nook747]

@@steve-marsh Good for you Steve . Don't let people stop you from doing what you love

[@kl1617]

As someone who lives in Connewitz: You don´t need to have any more fear of being attacked here than in any other part of Leipzig, maybe even less. The only thing these guys are concerned about is their privacy and not being filmed by random people, since Connewitz, being a leftist stronghold, has a long history of Neonazi attacks and police repression which makes a lot of young people rightfully paranoid. As long as you are not a nazi and don´t film random people, there is nothing to be worried about here.

[@cthymnn2010]

I find it incredible that you meet so many wonderful people and overall your adventures seem very safe. This is so sad. You have faced true obstacles of nature but the worst is man.

[@stuart2010ification]

Your videos are so good, and made by just one man on his own. Remember travel programs on the TV BBC made by a whole file crew. Amazing.

[@telecasterbear]

Thanks for taking us with you, Steve. I am grateful that you survived the encounter. As always safe travels. Rest well my friend.

[@blackpooltramtown4951]

Hi Steve, just watched your video and wanted to pass on our very best. You are a great person and everyone appreciates your travels, I know many people who watch your travel journals struggle with mobility so you bring the world to them and it is appreciated. Please take care and don't let it stop you being you. Cheers Paul

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much mate!

[@reesestevenson5492]

STEEEEEEEVE!!! Hope you’re doing well. Obviously the ending of this video was a bit rattling for you, well, would be for any of us! Hope you’ve been well. Glad to see your subscribers are booming by the numbers! Be safe my friend

[@suzannebell51]

Sorry to hear you experienced this - it must have been very scary and it sounds like they were very intimidating. As you say, possibly you inadvertently filmed something dodgy taking place, only people with something to hide would react this way. Glad to hear you got away unscathed although shaken

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Suzanne, it was a horrible experience, but still love Leipzig!

[@callumkent7155]

Sadly Germany is becoming dangerous. Unlimited amounts of illegal migrants and violent far left anarchists. It use to be my favourite country to travel. Not anymore.

[@tomthelegoguy]

My heart was pounding reading the notes. Huge respect for the way you got yourself out of such a frightening situation. And heartfelt thanks for sharing your experiences so vividly and honestly. I wish, of course, you didn't have to go through it! What you've done to build this channel clearly hasn't been easy. And what a moment to see your subscriber count's passed 100k! Huge congrats Steve.

[@ThedwarfsizedWorkshop]

Steve, thank you very much for that nice video about Leipzig, my home town. I do think you missed out on an experience by not going inside the Völkerschlachtenkmal. It's really beautiful and, yes, monumental in there. Also, I am very sorry for the incident you had. Nobody deserves to get jumped like that. Nevertheless, Connewitz is one of the most notorious left areas in Germany and thus under contant surveillance by (undercover) cops and subject to constant trolling by right-wing vloggers. You, going around and filming there, was an incident waiting to happen. I hope you come back one day and get that stadium tour. :)

[@TheMcmunro]

Steve, sounds awful what happened. It's the worst feeling being away from home and in such a situation. I was mugged a few years back in Paris. It wasn't nice. I was hit over the head with a brick. My wallet and phone were stolen. However, I've been back since and will go again. It could happen here in sleepy Norwich. Travel is what it is and at times we have terrible experiences, but we keep doing it because it's our passion. Keep up the good work 👍.

[@steve-marsh]

OMG that's scary sh*t!!!!

[@wylde780]

It's a crazy situation you found yourself in, but I'm glad it all worked out. Stay safe out there!

[@steve-marsh]

The experiences of travel eh?! :D

[@Ho-wat91]

Hi Steve Suffered a serious injury last week and stumbled upon your videos on KZbin, they are bringing me great comfort as I'm bed bound atm Keep up the good work 🍺

[@richardstreet7518]

Take care buddy... Appreciate what you do to transport us to these places...

[@whtyc]

Omg Steve, I have become a huge fan of your channel in the last few months and this was truly awful to see and read. I’m so so glad you’re ok but I can’t imagine how upset and rattled you must’ve been. I know this was awhile ago for you but I wanted to comment and send my best wishes anyhow

[@steve-marsh]

Hey cheers for supporting the channel :) this was so scary at the time, especially having no idea what was happening!

[@almostthere3733]

CONGRATS STEVE on achieving 100k subscribers overnight!

[@sjedouglas]

I'm glad the experience ended up being resolved without you losing your camera or in any physical injuries but I can't imagine how that would have left you feeling and I hope you're okay.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers! It shook me up a lot to be honest

[@janettesinclair6279]

What a terrifying experience, Steve and am so thankful that it ended well. Just shows that it pays to know and avoid the dodgy parts of town, and I am sure that all big towns/cities have them. Having said that, your sightseeing was great, and that Hotel Ma Ma was such good value.

[@henrywilliam8506]

Sorry to hear of your negative experience, I hope it doesn’t put you off. My favorite vlog that you’ve put out is from about two years ago when you and Alicja walked around Edinburgh at midnight in the snow. Please do the same again this year in Montrose. Keep the vlogs coming.

[@Lardt86]

I'm so sorry you had to experience this. This sounds so scary. Just wanted to thank you so much for all your videos and the great effort you're putting into them! They are really helping me through the day and I am so happy to read in the comment section you're not discouraged by these people's behaviour. So glad you made it out ok!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks o much, massages like this keep me going!

[@johnkelly1083]

100% they were up to something dodgy. Nobody reacts like that if they don't like being filmed, and also the way they were dressed. They were up to something (who knows drugs perhaps?) and were worried about being caught on camera. Glad you're ok Steve.

[@Juhucho99]

Just saw this Video some minutes ago for the first time and I was so shocked. Here in Germany sadly you have that guys, just so crazy Ultra guys who are not worth a penny but they are often in Groups (otherwise they cant compeed or cant feeling strong) a big big SORRY in the name of all Germans, instead of this stupid guys - You are amazing!

[@daviddymock4686]

Hi Steve so sorry to hear of your extremely scary moment in Leipzig 😮 it always seems worse in another country with the language barrier!! I very much enjoyed the rest of the video & hope you and Alicja are both safe & well back at home!!

[@janer2709]

Congratulations on reaching 100k subscribers. Very well deserved.

[@indapink76]

I m so sorry to see and read what happened but so glad you are ok in the end , I love your videos they give me a view on the world I’d not get otherwise thank you please stay safe on your next tour ❤

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! It's certainly made me a bit more aware for future trips!

[@michellegrant5928]

I came to congratulate you on 100k followers, Steve, but I’m now more happy that your encounter didn’t end in disaster (for you or your SD cards). Thank you for entertaining us, and for always remaining a gentleman. Albeit one with truly horrendous taste in tchotchkes. 😊

[@MariaFrancaSerrau]

What a nightmare dear Steve!! I was reading your description horrified by the events and I am so glad you are safe and well! It takes the worst of humanity to ruin one's life, but I hope the moral support of your followers will help you forget this awful experience. Wishing you and Alicja a wonderful weekend!

[@steve-marsh]

Thank you so much Maria! I really appreciate your kind words, and you have a wonderful weekend too!

[@145Nudel]

Thank goodness you’re okay and they didn’t harm you physically. I’ve followed you for a while now and your humor and content is top notch. Keep safe.

[@sandrader2889]

Oh that's a horrifying experience Steve, so glad it all ended well for you!!! Leipzig looks like a beautiful city and worth visiting, with a hidden camera 😊

[@ajacks1349]

Yes, just like Kensington avenue in Philadelphia US...🤣

[@garyrowden7150]

i have arrived here almost a year after your adventure, im so glad you were ok, it sounds so scary, would be heartbroken if you went to by home town and something like this happened but it happens almost everywhere i guess but now you are at over 200k subscribers, ive only been here a few months, i love the ferries and the food and all the islands, ive lost my you tube log in so im using the other halve's- so another subscriber for you ! take care Steve

[@arronblack67]

Sorry to hear of that ordeal Steve. The main thing is your safe, sound and unharmed.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers mate! Aye, glad to get out of there in one piece with all my gear!

[@treelimbtlc]

I'm so glad you are now safe Steve. And feel so bad for you that you had to experience that. Just know that we love your videos, but we want you safe too. Don't worry about SD cards, just your own safety. Thank you for all you do.

[@DaveyPalmer1]

Wow Steve. That ending was completely unexpected. I'm so glad you're ok and didn't come to any harm. It's such a shame things like this can leave such a sour taste after enjoying such a beautiful city. How did Alicja take it when you told her? I bet she was shocked too. Take care bud, chin up 👍

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah, it is scary even just thinking about it now, I had no idea what was happening at first, if I was going to be beaten up, robbed, no idea. Scary as hell! Yes I was on the phone to Alicja after this for some comfort!

[@DaveyPalmer1]

@@steve-marsh aw, bless ya! Glad everything turned out ok in the end 👍

[@ashleyupshall7641]

I lived in Leipzig for six months and loved the city and the people. Please don’t let that incident put you off it’s a great place to visit and very recommended. That was a fun vid thank you. It’s just wrong place wrong time, could happen anywhere. 😊

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Gosh. What a horrendous experience. My heart goes out to you. Being accosted in a street is a horrible experience. It’s happened a few times in my life, but never anywhere as distressing as you describe. I do hope it does not put you off from continuing with your KZbin filming. The world would be much poorer if it did. Stay strong, dust down and get back on “yer bike”. Thank you Steve for all you do. 👏👏👍😎

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks o much Andrew! I must admit it was a dark, lonely feeling after this with me questioning my career choices, but by the next morning I'd dusted myself down and was out filming again, we will not let them win! :)

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

@@steve-marsh That’s the spirit Steve. Never let the “bastards” win 👏✊️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

@@steve-marshHi Steve. Just noticed you have hit the magical 100k subscribers. Congratulations 🎉 Hopefully that will make you feel better after your horrible experience. Well done. Justly deserved 👏👏👍😎

[@SmithyScotland]

Congratulations on hitting 100k subscribers Steve. You've come along way. Cheers from Slateford.

[@arnodobler1096]

Was there a demonstration nearby, or were they up to something crooked? I'm 56 year old German, but I've never experienced or heard of anything like it! That's not normal! Yes, we Germans take privacy seriously (lived under two dictatorships), but the mask thing alone is strange. As a German, I apologize for these compatriots!Great videos.👍

[@jonasgeist7779]

Es gab am gleichen Tag polizei Razzien in Connewitz

[@steve-marsh]

No nothing at all. But please don't apologise, I love your country!

[@arnodobler1096]

@@steve-marsh 🇩🇪♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@smithy5271]

Hi Steve, I'm very saddened to hear of this awful terrifying ordeal you had no choice but to go through. It is not right . Please take some time for you !! to breath and get over this experience . Life is too precious for this shit .

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for your kind message! It was a dark, lonely place in my hotel room that night, but the next morning I was out filming again :)

[@ryandunphy60]

Steve, I'm gutted that happened to you but really glad you're okay!!!!!!! Was a great video as always!!!!!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheer Ryan, I was pretty shaken by it, but all good in the end!

[@jamesetchingham594]

Sorry to hear about this Steve! You are making amazing content, and sometimes seeing what can go wrong but things in perspective is a great skill to have. Glad you’re okay and keep up the amazing videos we love to see

[@TravelSoGood]

I was recently in Germany filming for my vlog and I've never had so many strange looks before. I knew Germans value their privacy a lot so I was very respectful and always tried to frame people out of shot etc, but it still felt a bit uneasy. I've never encountered anything like your incident though - it's sounds terrifying, especially if you don't speak the language!

[@Blackadder75]

@@LittleSparrowFLY if they were 20 they probably were, even if their parents weren't

[@Apfelkiste]

I guess drug dealers

[@katesterly547]

I knew boots on ground wouldn't last very long. You're always finding someplace high. And I love the little figurines that you got for Alicja! Please be careful!!! We don't want to lose you and your valuable YouTubing. You put so much work into what you do for us and I for one certainly do appreciate it. Say hi to Alicja for me. Be well, stay safe, RUN FAST! Love from Texas.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha thanks Kate :)

[@Cayldan]

Sorry to read that you had a bad experience in Germany. I haven't been to Leipzig yet but according to your video it is worth a visit. Thank you for filming it. I found this at the German Wikipedia about the area you mentioned: "Connewitz gilt überregional als Hochburg der linken und alternativen Szene und wird oft mit Punks, Autonomen, der Antifa und der Hausbesetzerszene assoziiert. Diese stellen jedoch nur eine kleine Minderheit der Bevölkerung von Connewitz und konzentrieren sich vor allem auf das sogenannte Bermuda-Dreieck zwischen Bornaischer, Meusdorfer und Wolfgang-Heinze-Straße. Wichtige Treffpunkte dieser ausgesprochen heterogenen Szene sind das von der Linkspartei betriebene linXXnet[28] und das alternative Kulturzentrum Conne Island."

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for sharing and for coming along :)

[@jackvoda4649]

Hi Steve, I just wanted to say you’re one of my favourite travel vloggers. I look forwards to your videos every Saturday morning and I’m really sorry this happened to you!! Your videos have given me lots of inspiration for my own travels too (I even did the Bucharest - Chisinau train earlier this year - what an experience!) … just want to say I hope you keep going with the channel! Stay safe 💪🏻

[@wildewutz-t6y]

Hi Steve, I'm German but not from Leipzig. I can imagine that you have walked through or nearby the neighbourhood of Connewitz. People there tend to be very left (political) and maybe they thought you are filming them. Apart from that there are two other football clubs in Leipzig, based in the North and South who also don't like other people, entering "their area". Anyway, Leipzig is such a beautiful city, feel free to discover the other cities in East Germany like Potsdam or Dresden. Hope that encounter wasn't too bad. Greetings :)

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much and my opinion of your great country will never be tainted by these people! Cheers for the tips too!

[@FlatDerrick]

There is nothing more German than blaming the illegal actions of the police on left wingers and football hooligans. Except maybe writing 'greetings' at the end of a sentence.

[@spidyman8853]

Danke Shurn. Ich habber Vergessen Deutsch Tshus

[@Pooky-Cat]

That was obviously, understandably a scary experience. So glad you came to no harm and grateful to you for sharing this (mostly) wonderful city - and for all your adventures. More power to you and your lovely lady. 👍

[@lazyartist7682]

I’m sorry about your bad experience in Leipzig. Germans are very private and don’t like being recorded or photographed without consent. My German friends say it has its history from the cold war era when the Stasi spied on everyone. When you began your videos in Germany, I was afraid something like this was going to happen. Glad you’re OK. Hope to see more of your videos. More power. On the other hand, in the Philippines, the experience is quite opposite. Everyone wants to be in the video and will say hello and join in the fun.😍😍😍

[@rogerhiggs3495]

We should respect the 'privacy' of 4 guys with masks? Welcome to modern Germany.

[@firstmoviesHD]

@@rogerhiggs3495 Pretty sure they’re just far left extremists who are kind of schizo regarding undercover cops. Would also explain the ski masks. That district in Leipzig which he showed before is pretty well known for that unfortunately…

[@joachimschwabe3301]

Nothing to do with "modern Germany", rather German society and laws not moving on with modern media and internet. As a matter of fact, actively filming individuals in public without their consent is indeed a criminal offense in Germany.

[@firstmoviesHD]

@@joachimschwabe3301 That’s not true, as long as your on public property and not actively filming a specific person you are free to do as you want. Those laws only apply if you’re filming a person specifically instead of just filming a place with people just in the background by chance. Also on private property the owner has the right to disallow people filming.

[@joachimschwabe3301]

@@firstmoviesHD You are right about the case with the scenery and people in the back. But I was just exactly referring to the other case. This is also why I wrote ACTIVELY filming INDIVIDUALS. In your answer you wrote yourself it is fine if you do NOT actively film people.

[@michaelwray1034]

Im Loving your vids steve. Keep em comin dont let leipzig put you off you can see from the comments ..top lad.

[@dilopho8310]

It's so crazy, I am really sure I actually saw the incident. Right at the moment you ran into the shop I was there with a friend. It was really surreal for both of us, we were just buying some stuff for a film project and suddenly you ran into the shop. Like I am literally not kidding I am so sorry for what happened. For both my friend and me Connewitz is basically our second home. It hasn't the best history with the police and that's why they are ... cautious. Hopefully you will it see in a better light someday

[@grunt22]

So glad you got out of the situation and I feel for you in this. Very few of us enjoy such a confrontation. Please don't let it put you off. I enjoy your vlogs so much and it's the only KZbin reminder I pay any attention to. Looking forward to more videos and please take care.

[@xAciasx]

There are a few people in germany that get very angry if they get filmed, doesn't even have to be because they are doing something bad in that moment, but because they think it goes against their privacy rights.

[@steve-marsh]

True. But guys who act like this are not innocent in any way

[@ajacks1349]

Unless he pushed the camera into someone's face, it'll be nothing to do with "privacy rights"...more to do with organised crime that has been left to proliferate in Germany due to open borders policies & a useless police farce.

[@michaelgask]

Take care Steve. Thanks for sharing Leipzig with us. It looks like an amazing historical city. Argh, though, the ending. Must have been very scary. I hope you woke up the next morning feeling a bit better, and can put it behind you. ❤

[@thomaskaevergaard699]

Dear Steve, let me start by writing that I am glad that you managed to get out of that scary situation. I bet that those thugs think they own the streets and that anyone walking them are subject to their "jurisdiction". Anyway, I hope that you despite this incident will keep on travelling and posting your awesome videos and notes. I am thrilled every time I see there's a new video from you on your channel. So keep on keeping on!

[@steve-marsh]

Thank you mate :)

[@t-dawg5813]

Sorry that happened, just glad you’re ok. Hang in there, we love your videos.

[@jornspirit]

...thats such a shocking experience - thanks for sharing it with us! When I try to imagine what was behind this, what comes up, is that there is a lot of surveillance in Germany (which is my country of origin, now living in Scotland) and its also often politically motivated - like radical left-wing and right-wing groups filming each other to prepare for action... there are a lot of fights, also street fights between those groups... this sounded very much like a left-wing group... there are areas in German towns, especially big cities, where you better be very careful with filming in the streets... its a very sad reality - violence based on political radical opinions... what might be a good idea is to check on the iNet before visiting cities, what are the high-danger or no-go zones, although in this case, you might not have found something (not sure - you could check it out)... maybe there is a way of dressing up to protect you better, like wearing strong, extravagant colours... the grey-dark features, maybe with caps and hoods, are also a camouflage for those spies of groups, so you could try to look less likely being one of them... - I know its a natural tendency to look like 'not to stand out', but in cases like this it just has the opposite effect, especially if you're filming... ...fingers crossed that this might be a stand-out experience, but maybe its also a good little warning - it could have ended up worse... maybe with your growing number of followers you could enquire with us of pre-cautional advise, before visiting a town or area? You could also make it a habit to visit Tourist Information centers in the places you visit first, and ask straight forward, if there are any risk areas for filming? - apologies for this lengthy text, but I really want you to feel safe, while exploring! 😊

[@steve-marsh]

You are so so right - I questioned what I was wearing afterward, but I was still really angry at them targeting me, I still think I looked like a tourist (and a fifty year old one at that). I was amazed how the different emotions came over me after it! Scary scary stuff, and where was my instinct when I needed it most!? :D

[@maikhildebrandt9921]

@@steve-marsh I'm sorry you had to experience this. To confirm what @jornspirit wrote, since I've lived in Leipzig for some years: Connewitz is well-known for having a lot of left leaning and radically left people living there. It's been subject to a lot of police and right-wing surveillance in the past, which led to many people there being very suspicious of cameras. That's not to excuse their behaviour, they should have handled that a lot better and a lot less threatening; I just wanted to shed some more light into it. I hope this experience didn't ruin your trip entirely or taint your impression of the city and its people. I spent a lot of great days and evenings in Connewitz without any issues, because most people I've met there are absolutely lovely, but unfortunately there are also idiots there :/

[@clarecrawford9677]

@@maikhildebrandt9921Thank you for the information that you and Jornspirit provided. Can you explain why the men were wearing masks?

[@maikhildebrandt9921]

@@clarecrawford9677 If they suspected him of being a Nazi filming them, they probably didn't want to be recognizable. But that's just conjecture at this point

[@jonasgeist7779]

@@steve-marsh Definitley okay to be angry. As a leipziger myself I can tell you that your clothing wouldnt have given you issues - connewitz is a good mix of every type of person and clothing style. If you had walked along without your camera you would have had no issues, I do so almost daily :).Not excusing their actions, sorry you went through that.

[@DonHG32]

I like the way you tour, it's the same sort of method I use when I get to a large-ish town. I use local transport to get to the long haul locations or if I'm out late and far from my hotel but otherwise I tend to walk 20-30 Kms a day or so. We tend to think we're largely safe and secure but every town has an underbelly and every town has it's violence. I'm glad you're okay and I'm grateful for the wake up call! It's never a bad thing to remind ourselves that bad things do happen to good people faster than can be processed. Now I have to go back and re-watch your Hauptbahnhof video! Thanks again for the wonderful videos and keep that chin up!

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

For maybe the first time, I don't feel easy about some of your comments. TBH I hate it when people walk onto an airplane or a train or whatever, carrying a go-pro just filming everything. They DON'T ask you if you want your face online (I don't and I know I'm not alone in that). And I just read your diary comments - I would just add that "for just doing our job" is a somewhat entitled view. Its a job no one asked you to do - and its a monetised hobby, not a public service. Having said all that, I'm sorry you were frightened by the masked strangers and I'm happy to see that you're alright.

[@bellicose4653]

You watch his videos, so it seems like you are asking him to do this job.

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

@@bellicose4653 haha - peak youtube

[@bellicose4653]

@@LazyDaisyDay88 peak midwit

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

@@bellicose4653 🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelbrown9891]

Whilst watching your video, I thought - what a clean and beautiful city. However,, all cities have a dark underbelly. You are a very brave alone traveller. Love your videos. By the way, these churches and other buildings are much, much older than they tell us. Their purpose originally was quite different. The buildings were repurposed in the 1800s and used as you see today. 💕😇

[@tarkineWild]

Well that incident will certainly leave a lasting impression on you if you ever visit Leipzig again

[@steve-marsh]

I loved the city but I don't think I'll be back...

[@ajacks1349]

@@steve-marsh The huge amount of graffitti in that area, no doubt including gang tags, was a clue...same problem in Hamburg around the well known red light area, in which a large useless & corrupt police presence exists. Remember that Scottish lad that was found dead there a few years ago, after a long period of searching? Same in Berlin around the red light area, where the hookers are allowed to rip off their clients...

[@ColinIngus1]

​@@steve-marshI'm so sorry that some toerags spoilt your experience of Leipzig enough to leave you with such a sauer taste. 😢 I myself escaped Milton Keynes🤮 to come to Deutschland in 2012. Then settled in Leipzig since 2015. 🖤❤️💛 I can safely say now Germany is "mein heimat" and I am happily rooted in Leipzig. That really is such a shame. Beste Wünsche für die Zukunft 👊🏻

[@brianspeck918]

I admire your courage and honest reporting, Steve. It's not easy doing this work, especially alone in a foreign country - you deserve some sort of medal. I really do appreciate your videos. On the bright side, thanks to you now I know where I WON'T be going for a holiday!

[@kvhgolian3617]

Sad to hear about the bad experience in Germany and congrats on the Subs. I would not put much into it, Connewitz is a nation-wide known ghetto, with constant clashes with police. And like every country, Germany has criminals too. These thugs just did not have anything better to do at that particular day. Edit> You should have called the police, they might not catch them on that day, but its relevant operative information for them.

[@58borges1]

What a horrible experience for you after such a wonderful morning. Our world is not the same or as safe as it was when we were young, but I hope this doesn’t put you off from exploring other places. Be safe Steve, and regards to Alicja ( I’m sure she loved her gift 😊).

[@edenshage]

i'm glad you are safe, steve. why do these kind of incidents always seem to happen in germany? it's a shame what has happened to that country

[@steve-marsh]

I still love the city, but it's not the first time I've had something happen there, although this was by far the scariest

[@gdreading9088]

Hi Steve, good vlog but we hope that you are okay after that awful incident with those thugs. Take care.

[@robaviation.7904]

The Germans are very protective over their privacy and take it way more seriously than we do in the UK. I'm glad you're okay Steve, I'm really enjoying your videos and it's making me want to visit as well.

[@rogerhiggs3495]

We should respect the 'privacy' of 4 guys with masks? Welcome to modern Germany.

[@ajacks1349]

@@rogerhiggs3495 Yes Germany is doomed...thanks to Merkel's CDU & the SPD/ greens...VOTE AfD! The country has been overwhelmed by organised crime, pretty much like all of the west due to open borders policies & the useless police farces.

[@sandramontgomery9027]

Loved the video but was really shocked at the ending. Hope you've recovered from that scary incident. Thanks for the videos, hubby and I watch them all. 👏 👏

[@octaveobsessions]

as a German who grew up in the West I feel for you. I could never get the hang of "Dark Germany" (Dunkeldeutschland, as we call it) after the fall of the wall, in fact I always had a tolkienesque Middleearth view on the world, and we know what dwells in the East there... 😇 Seriously, that is the part of Germany where many people see themselves as being dealt the losing cards by history and therefore tend to be more aggressive towards anything that even remotely looks like fun at their expense.

[@steve-marsh]

Very interesting to read this from your perspective, thanks! And I still love your country!

[@saltburner2]

I had the same experience in Berlin. Straying into Prenzlauer Berg, we were accosted by a drunk who berated us for being 'from the West'. This was about 10 years ago.

[@NekiCat]

Their behaviour was inexcusable, I am sad this happened to you. But saying this is because "Dunkeldeutschland" saddens me as well. I've worked both in the west and the east, with my current job being in Leipzig, and I can honestly say that in my experience, neither part is more or less friendly. I grew up in the east after reunification, and all I've known all my life is one whole Germany. There are many prejudices on both sides, and those always feel like driving a wedge into this hard-earned unity.

[@joannematthews8118]

I felt terrible that your trip ended on a low 😢 But even when things are not so pleasant you are still assisting people immensely as you have highlighted this issue. Along with all the people who have commented, we have learned to be careful if filming certain places in Europe. Doesn't make it any less upsetting but we are really grateful for you reporting on such things as it helps us on our travels. I think it's why people like how real and gritty your videos are, thank you ❤

[@censport]

Y'know Steve, I've occasionally wondered how you've avoided incidents like this in your travels. When I was in Germany earlier this year for a Nena concert, I had to drive from Gelsenkirchen to Essen to find non-carbonated water (was dealing with a sinus infection I picked up in Stirling). Driving through some of those neighborhoods at night had my head on a swivel. I messaged my German coworker later and said "I think I drove through the Antifa section". He replied, "Oh, that's all of Germany now. Wait until you see the Turkish section." It seems everywhere is like that now. Well, everywhere except Hungary, Poland, and Japan. So stay safe, I'd hate for anything to happen to my favorite vlogger. You're 50? Welcome to the club, buddy! You don't look a day over 39!

[@ianlindsay1454]

Nice vlog Steve, shame about the bad end. We watch all your vlogs and always enjoy them. You take us to places completely unknown and they’re always interesting and make a good watch. Keep up the good work, we’ll look forward to the next one.

[@hbecker123]

25:30 Haha. Connewitz is antifa area and perhaps they thought you are Paparazzi or spyon or someone else.... But Leipzig is boring. Dresden is more historical. And some b-towns were very pretty like Jena, Weimar in the that area and very chilled. Hamburg, Berlin, Munich are the must see cities of Germany. And the best traveltime is mai - octobre. And a pro tipp from me: visit some old austro-german towns like Bratislava/Brünn in Slovakia. There some pretty and cheap towns

[@steve-marsh]

I wish I'd had time to go to Dresden!

[@barbp8736]

Oh. Steve, I'm so sorry that happened. I worry about you being alone in scary situations, but you handled it very well. They are probably fans of your channel now.

[@ajacks1349]

He's no Paul Kersey...which is a pity.

[@ingaborlowski1536]

My heart sunk as I watched your video….as if I was there with you, my heart beating a bit faster 😳 😳😰 glad you came out unscathed and spirit in tact. Such a worry when solo traveling. Looking forward to your next video.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Inga! I wish I DID have someone with me, it was a lonely dark evening after this! :D

[@internalmigration]

That's rough. I'm sorry to see/read about that experience. I'm glad you were ok. Really enjoy your videos and hope you never have another experience like this.

[@jennifers_tography]

Poor Steve :( we've been watching your vids for a long time, we home your ok now, hugs n love from the McKenzies in Dumbarton, Scotland ❤️ take care have drink n try to chill as best as one can xxx

[@lorrainehamilton5051]

I've read other vloggers saying they REALLY dont like being filmed in Germany...you've just proved that eh! Take care Steve ❤