I believe this is an isolated incident - but some of it may depend on where you are staying and the surrounding area.  I believe if you stay in an upscale area you are not going to be bothered but there are areas that have an active night street life and if you are near there it is something you can expect.

I think these are isolated incidences also and may have something to do with tourists.  The only problems is generally see has to do with the occasional overagressive homeless guy.  Hang in there - we have weirdos just like every other city.

Overall shorts - hmmm - interesting choice of clothing. Since coming here is this the only time you've gone outside? Actually, the guys pulling up might have been cops and thought you were in the wrong neighborhood.

Close to the capitol doesn't say much - the area changes dramatically one block off of the capitol. Just ignore those who heckle and have your mase ready. Of course, you have many here who would gladly help you cross the street, pleanty of scouts trying to earn badges - LOL...

...well, that and the fact that I'm not a strong swimmer and river is kinda yucky (they say it's clean, but it really isn't).

All sorts of odd things happen in DC...

...still, it's an interesting place to visit!

I would be surprised if the incident you mention happened during the daytime in downtown, the west end, Dupont Circle, Georgetown or near the Mall, but otherwise I suppose anything is possible.

You look like a real hottie from your web site pics! Maybe your hairstyle (bald) attracted attention?!

Good luck and enjoy your DC trip--don't worry about it too much!

-- Modified on 6/25/2005 7:17:40 AM

Angie, I've gotten the same thing before not just here in DC but many other cities with NYC being the worst.  It's rare in my experience, but it happens.  It's annoying but it's never gone more than just talk for me and all of my friends, many of us who have lived for years in DC.  In my circle of friends, the worst that has happened is one non-violent mugging and a few break-ins to car.  Nothing violent.  And trust me, we have often wandered all over some not-so-nice areas in DC at night on our way or back from clubs on a regular basis.

Many parts of the city vary from block to block, so some places an out-of-towner would NOT expect has a high rate of streetwalkers.  My guess is you accidently stumbled on one of those blocks.  But I've had rich drunk yuppies in Georgetown proposition me on the street too, so these things can happen anywhere.  

Compared to my experience in some cities overseas, American men are really not that bad.  Ignoring them, walking away with confidence etc. usually gets rid of them.

I would blow it off as one of those unpleasant but rare harassment episodes in a fairly civil city.  What you experienced in DC is not common.  You've been in Philly (I was there off and on for 4 yrs) and NYC (had a gf there for years who I visited), and DC is tamer than either, in my experience.

I was dressed in my usual work clothes (Torn pants, dirty shirt and sign that says I will work for sex)...  I was actually mistaken for a homeless man.. Oh well...  shiite happens

I told you to stay in the 'burbs, Angie.  You didn't have those kind of problems at BWI, now DID you?  Well if DC "spooked" you, don't forget to come back to BWI for a while, at least...



-- Modified on 6/27/2005 3:19:48 AM