You’re living overseas and enjoying life in a new country but then something happens in that country that changes everything. Not talking about war, but maybe a public debate, a new politician on the scene, a recession, or an election. Something that flipped how you see your new home. For better or worse.
For me, living in Malaysia all was going smoothly. An amazing country. But when COVID hit, non-Malaysians really became a target. You had vaccines prioritised for Malaysians and the government using the pandemic as an excuse to round up illegal migrants to deport them. Instilling more fear at a time of fear.
Being grabbed by a man my first two weeks in Japan. Not just a boob squeeze, but a full body grab from behind. Being no stranger to travel in Asia, I was extra modestly dressed … and it still happened. Probably just bad luck in the apparent safest country, or so I’m told. The experience made me feel I’d never truly be safe here as a woman. I’m not a temporary expat. This is something I have to live with. I always look over my shoulder now and if I’m shopping alone I stay aisles away from any men shopping alone. Since that incident there have been other milder ones. Thank goodness I’m getting older and fatter , both should be a deterrent to creeps.
it’s not bad luck , sexual harrassment is very bad and common there and rarely reported. it is definitely something that happens
I’m sorry you have to go through this crap. I hope you still find a lot of enjoyment travelling the world despite these assholes
The modest dress thing was never accurate and I’m sorry someone lied to you. I hate the “Japan is the safest country” line because that’s largely not the case for if you’re a woman