When was the last time that a woman, after hearing sleazy comments from some guy in the street, looked at the stranger and said “wow, I am so turned on, I want you right now!”

Yep. Never.

So can anyone explain me why, in Nicaragua, guys think their salacious comments will get them anywhere?

It started right after crossing the border. And trust me, I didn’t feel the least sexy, in my usual backpacker uniform, dirty and sweaty. I climbed in the bus and heard things I won’t write down here. And I had to walk fast because guys were trying to grab me.

Not okay.

I am used to catcalls and whistle—I heard them everywhere in the world, with the notable exception of North America (where men are probably scared to be sued for sexual harassment). I have been ignoring them since I’m twelve and since I have breasts.

“Amor, amor!” Yes, this I can ignore as well. But I did find men in Granada very aggressive. A golden rule is to ignore them—which is what I am doing.

But still, it feels wrong.

Schoolgirls
Schoolgirls
Baby
Baby
Hanging Out
Hanging Out
Selling Ice Cream in Front of a School Is a Sure Hit
Selling Ice Cream in Front of a School Is a Sure Hit
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Market
The Church
The Church
Street Life
Street Life
Loading a Chicken Bus
Loading a Chicken Bus

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8 Comments

  1. Blanca February 15, 2014 at 6:36 am

    I am Mexican and all the whistling and that stuff is common in some places in Mexico too, which I find quite upsetting. But trying to grab you?! That is a new one. So wrong. I am sorry you went through that.

    I found your blog a few weeks ago while researching about Canada. I’m moving to Alberta (maybe, still deciding where to live) in a couple of months. I am so glad I found it, I really enjoy your posts 🙂

    Reply
    1. Zhu February 17, 2014 at 1:01 am

      Welcome to Canada! How did you decide to move to Alberta?

      You will see, guys in Canada are so… well, respectful compared to many countries!

      Reply
      1. Blanca February 20, 2014 at 7:01 am

        Thanks! I agree, most guys are so polite.

        My husband is Canadian, and while waiting for my PR we lived in Mexico for a while and now Australia. We are finally going back to the north soon though. We are thinking Alberta because it is closer to his family. But still deciding.

        Reply
        1. Zhu February 21, 2014 at 1:03 am

          Australia is a great place to work in right now, isn’t it? The economy seems strong! It’s expensive though.

          I don’t know Alberta, only Ontario. But yes, being close to family is often easier (at least when you first move!).

          Reply
  2. Cynthia February 18, 2014 at 5:27 am

    Even in Canada when I was about 12 and wearing my catholic school uniform, I would get catcalls all the time and I just can’t understand why men do that!

    Reply
    1. Zhu February 18, 2014 at 10:02 pm

      Yuck! That’s just… wrong!

      Reply
  3. Holly Nelson February 19, 2014 at 5:39 pm

    Men can be such creeps… In Rome I hadn’t his one sleazy guy following me round for ages asking me inappropriate questions that just creeped me out so much!!

    Reply
    1. Zhu February 21, 2014 at 1:01 am

      Ugh. British guys aren’t like that, are they? Like Canadians or Americans they tend to be better behaved (in the street, at least…).

      Reply

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