Woman says four words saved her from 'nightmare' holiday harassment

A woman says a holiday turned into a nightmare when she visited a popular tourist destination as a 'single blonde woman'. Karolina Wachowicz said she felt like she was wearing a “neon sign” as she walked the streets on her visit to Morocco.

Karolina said: “As a blonde, single European woman, you are not seen as just another traveller, you become the spectacle. Every glance, every comment, every offer of help is loaded with meaning you never asked for.

“Here, it’s not about seeing Morocco as a tourist, it is a daily lesson in holding your boundaries, keeping your nerve, and realising you have to rewrite the rules for every block, market, or bus stop.

“In Marrakesh, the onslaught is sharp and constant. Men make comments out loud, sometimes in French, sometimes in Arabic, as you walk by. At first, you think the compliments are harmless, maybe even flattering, but they don’t let up, and you realise their persistence is never just about curiosity.

“Refusing politely is rarely respected; instead, men often push for your name, your plans, your relationship status. Sometimes, a casual ‘I have a boyfriend’ is the only answer that truly stops them.

“Yet the moment you let your guard down, or even just smile out of nervousness, it can be read as a signal to try harder. In cafes and markets, you quickly learn to focus your gaze, answer monosyllabically and keep walking.

“Men bombarded me with questions and compliments, even sudden proposals!”

Karolina said the attention became even more intense when she left the city and travelled to small towns and rural villages. The 35-year-old said, “The attention is sometimes suffocating. Simple acts, like sitting in a café or shopping for groceries, become events.

“I couldn't cross the street without at least one person asking for a photo or money. Marriage proposals were, of course, also common.

“Here, any visible skin or uncovered hair is read as a statement, no matter how modestly you think you are dressed. Suddenly, you realise that even a light summer dress and exposed shoulders can make you the focal point for requests, proposals, or relentless questions.”

Despite the frequent attention of local men, Karolina said the opposite was true of the women. She said: “Instead of sisterhood, I was met with openly cold, critical stares. Their eyes could slice through me, especially if I wore something slightly less modest than their standard.

“A skirt above the ankle or uncovered arms was enough for some to glare or shake their heads in disapproval. On one occasion, a woman even raised her voice and scolded me in Arabic. I didn’t understand her words, but the tone said it all.”

Despite the challenges, Karolina said it’s possible to enjoy time in Morocco “if you understand just how different the social codes are”.

She added: “Morocco can challenge and exhaust you, but it will also teach you resilience, flexibility, and the importance of cross-cultural kindness, if you’re willing to look beneath the sometimes exasperating surface. “The key to survival is a blend of thick skin, improvisation, humour, patience, and cultural sensitivity.”