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I spent 9 days over the holidays in Spain. I went to Palma de Mallorca for 3 days and Madrid for 6 days. It was my first time in Spain and I was super excited. The weather in Mallorca was pretty nice unlike Madrid that was cold. There were so many activities to be a part of in both cities and many sights to see, so overall they were both amazing places. Don’t get me wrong, I had a whole lot of fun while in Spain but there was something that really sucked and reduced the fun in my experience.
Men
The men I came in contact with both in Mallorca and Madrid definitely didn’t care about women. It was very ridiculous. Men were constantly desperately trying to talk to my friend and I despite continuous rejection. It was almost unbelievable. It was as though my “no”, “not interested”, “I have a boyfriend”, ” tengo novio”, “don’t talk to me”, “alejarse” and “walk away from me” meant NOTHING to these men. The level of entitlement was ridiculous. It seemed as though the only way to stop the harassment was to find another man who could talk the annoying men out of harassing us. We talked to a good number of Spanish women and every single one of them agreed that a lot of Spanish men were extremely disrespectful like that. I haven’t heard before of Spanish men being like this so I was very surprised. Why isn’t this talked about more? Was my experience unique?
I contemplated ranting about this but this was honestly how my experience was in Spain and if I don’t write about it then how authentic is this blog? I definitely met decent Spanish men during my trip but that was definitely not the majority. I’m not going to say all or most Spanish men are like this, however, most of the Spanish men I came in contact with were like this. If this has been the case with you, leave a comment. Also, if you’ve experienced this in any other country, let me know.
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January 24, 2019
I am so sad to hear this story as Spain has so much to offer as a country. Your experience sounds not only annoying and disappointing, but also scary and unsafe.
January 24, 2019
I lived in Madrid for many years. Yes, the men can be chauvinistic (it is a macho culture – think of flamenco and bullfighting), but it is one of the safest cities I’ve ever lived in. I used to walk through the city centre at 3am by myself with no fear. Women shouldn’t fear going to Spain.
January 24, 2019
Wow! That’s really unfortunate. I don’t think guys in some European countries have the same idea of “personal space” and respect that some guys have in the States. Granted chauvinism and sexism and invasion of personal space is an issue almost everywhere but it’s rather unfortunate that it completely ruined your experience. I don’t want to blame it as part of the culture but I guess it allows you to really gauge differences in cultures you travel to versus your home location. Hopefully maybe you’ll have a better travel experience if you ever decide to go again.
January 24, 2019
Wow that definitely will mess up a trip if you feel unsafe. Like someone said already, I think it’s a chauvinistic thing. I’m Hispanic and a lot of Hispanic people are the same way. However, I hope something that a few men did didn’t ruin your entire trip that I’m sure was filled with lots of beauty.
January 24, 2019
Thanks for your honesty. I’ll keep this in mind before planning my next trip!
January 25, 2019
Misogyny is everywhere, apparently. And misogyny isn’t lacking in Spain, I see. I’ll definitely remember that if I ever visit. I hope the rest of your trip was enjoyable.
January 27, 2019
Oh no! How disappointing but not an uncommon occurrence when traveling as a woman and IT does take away from the experience. Thanks for sharing, as it great to read about the real, the problematic as well as the pretty and gorgeous.
January 27, 2019
It’s a pity that random person can ruin an entire trip. I’m not Spanish, but I come from the south of Europe and I know what you are talking about. I do think that growing up with that kind of constant attention from strangers, we European ladies simply learn to deal with it, and I haven’t had any really annoying situation in a long time. They do shout some compliments every now and then, for instance, but a smile, a thanks and keeping your legs walking usually stop the entire situation there where it started. It has nothing to do with feeling safe, sometimes it even boosts my ego and no, it doesn’t annoying me as much as a busy underground train at rush hours!! ;P
February 7, 2019
Oh no 🙁 Im so sorry you had to go through this experience. When we travel, we expect amazing, positive things to happen. Its so frustrating when that experience doesnt turn out. *big hug*
February 14, 2019
I’d never heard of Spainards to be this way. Sorry you had to deal with that. I think we should start a petition that all boys should have to take a class in middle school on how to NOT BE A CREEP. I don’t think most realize theyre being creepy, and not all men of course, but lord knows any cute 20 something girl can tell you there are enough of them to warrant it!
February 14, 2019
Great thinking bring this to light! Sucks though!
February 16, 2019
Well it can be- also French and italians are like that.! But listening to Spanish women wouldnt suggest. I am saying that as someone who lives here! The women- most!! Act really cheap and bitchy?! They are really into taken men.. and love to flirt with men like that. So I amwaiting until someone will give me reason to beat her up if she looks at my man! They in general look down to other women and all look almost the same… I would say both genders act weird and the worst!