After finishing up my Masters in Social Work, I decided to take a several month trip cross country, via the train. I traveled alone and stayed with couch surfers, thanks to an awesome website recommended by a friend. The trip was incredible, to say the least. I met literally hundreds of amazing people, and of course, a few sexist men along the way. One of my favorite conversations went a little something like this:
(At a bar)
Him: So you’re really traveling alone?
Me: Yeah, it’s great, wouldn’t do it any other way.
Him: Wow, and you’re staying with couch surfers? Like strangers you’ve never met before?
Me: Exactly. It’s an amazing way to travel.
Him: I’d never have the balls to do that, I’d be scared some freak would kill me in my sleep.
Me: I’ve generally found people to be trustworthy and kind. And also, I have the ovaries to do anything, really.
Him: ::Nervous laughter:: Um oh yeah, sorry to be offensive. I guess I just meant I’m too much of a pussy to do that.
Me: Yeah dude, you better get some ovaries. ::Walk away::
