Don't get me wrong, over the last few days, I've met several dozens of people who are delightful human beings that I genuinely enjoyed talking to.
But in general, people had no problem shoving into each other, honking car horns in anger, and verbally harassing my group and following us. There were at least three instances (that I know of) in which members of my group have been hounded.
The first happened at a gas station on our way to the conference, when a gentleman in a car called out to a fellow group member "hey! How old?"
Luckily, she was able to keep walking and not look back.
The second instance occurred this morning, when a gentleman was following me and a couple others to a local market, and he kept talking to us about where we were going and what we were doing. We didn't look back.
The third happened this evening, when a gentleman on the side of the street repeatedly called out to me and a fellow group member, asking where we "two lovely ladies" were going, and almost followed us.
Yes, I am aware that these things can happen anywhere, but to have it happen three times in less than 24 hours was something I never thought I'd have to experience.
Though I loved Philly, I can't wait to be back in the Midwest, where people are a little more respectful of others.
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