You are 100% right - we can not live our lives in fear and we have to trust our instincts. But what people do not realise because we have less outside distractions these instincts become more honded when you start travelling and you do trust them and begin to rely on the heavily.

If you are unlucky and do have something that is about to or is happening don't be scared to react because no matter where you go in the world, no matter what culture you are in someone touching you unwillingly is wrong.

I personally have had three situations on this trip where I have had to speak out, first time in India I was getting a massage from a man and he took it too far - I learn from this, not to put myself in that situation again by only let women massage you. In India again, a young boy touch my breasts, but I fought back by actually punching and kicking him. I surprised myself because I have never had to fight before but here I was wanting to make sure this kid never did it to anyone again. Then I stopped and asked if I could have his photo (he being an indian - stood there (silly boy) and I then said - now im taking this to police, your family is going to be shamed. I hope this was enough to scare him for the rest of his life. Another time in Iran, I thought I was being drugged, but before I thought I was about to be incoherent, I assessed the situation and called the guest house owner who placed me in his friends house (there was only one man staying in this house) He immediately came and realised I had a reaction to what I was eating! Silly me. But I was happy about how I responded to a stressful situation by preparing myself before it was too late.

I hope these stories don't scare you, they are just three moments in my 2 year and counting trip which were bad but I learn from everyone of them and in the end nothing happened because I spoke out.

Just make sure you listen to your gut feeling and don't be scared to fight/ yell/ scream. "Saving face" in the community means more to them than to you who is leaving the next day.

Take Care and Enjoy - I can tell you a million amazing moments to counteract these three bad ones!

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