Blonde Tourist’s Moroccan Nightmare: Relentless Harassment Shatters Solo Travel Dream

"As a single, blonde European woman, you are not seen as just a traveler, you become a spectacle. Every look, every comment, every offer of help are loaded with a meaning you never asked for," said Karolina Wachowicz to the Mirror. She claims to have been the victim of a "nightmarish" harassment during her vacation in Morocco. The 35-year-old woman says she felt like she was wearing a "neon sign" as she walked the streets during her visit to Morocco. In Marrakech, the assault is fierce and constant. But the attention became even more intense when she left the city to go to small towns and rural villages.

"The attention can be stifling. Simple gestures, like sitting in a cafe or doing some shopping, become events. I couldn’t cross the street without at least one person asking me for a photo or money. Marriage proposals were, of course, also common," recounts the tourist. She adds: "Here, any visible skin or uncovered hair is perceived as a statement, even if you think you are dressed modestly. Suddenly, you realize that even a light summer dress and bare shoulders can make you the center of attention for endless requests, proposals or questions."

According to her, men often insist on the tourist’s name, projects, and marital status. Sometimes, a simple "I have a boyfriend" is the only response that really stops them, she continues. In contrast to the men, the women greet her with cold looks. "Instead of feeling solidarity, I was greeted with cold and critical looks. Their gaze could pierce me, especially if I was wearing an outfit slightly less modest than their standards." She recounts that a skirt above the ankles or bare arms were enough for some to glare at her or shake their heads in disapproval. "Once, a woman even raised her voice and scolded me in Arabic. I didn’t understand her words, but her tone said a lot."

Karolina still thinks it is possible to enjoy Morocco if you know the rules, "if you understand how different the social codes are." The kingdom "can challenge you and exhaust you, but it will also teach you resilience, flexibility and the importance of intercultural benevolence, if you are willing to look beyond the sometimes exasperating appearances. The key to survival lies in a mix of resistance, improvisation, humor, patience and cultural sensitivity," she added.