@Wouter – I heard India can be a rough place. It’s on my “Visit This Country When I Have a Personal Bodyguard” list. That list seems to be getting longer, not shorter…. Oh well. One can always wish for a peaceful world :0)

@Kristy – I know, it is sad to have to put up a wall or be on guard. I kind of pride myself on being open and meeting new people and trusting in them. But, being in the crazy and wacky world we are in, it was a good reality check, for sure. Unfortunately the whole world doesn’t have the same open attitude, but, there are really good people out there, as well. I guess it’s just a matter of finding a balance and trusting your instincts. Thanks for writing!

I’ve never been in a situation that has taken a turn like that but I have certainly been in situations that *might* have gone bad. One of the most important things for me in life is to trust in other people and assume the best in others. So far it’s all gone well, but it will just take one situation like yours to shake my confidence and have me questioning my openness.

I don’t think the world is a scary place at all and I think that 99% of the people out there are good and well-meaning, but hearing things like this reminds me to be on my guard and watch my back a bit more than I do now.

Thanks for sharing!

Wow, scary situation! As a guy it’s a bit harder for me to relate to it, because it’s hard for me to imagine what it’s like traveling as a single girl. I’ve had my fair share of trouble when I was in India tho. I also had a potential dangerous situation where I had to run away from. They weren’t after my body, but my money.

Still, it’s a valuable lesson that you learn, as long as you draw the right conclusions, which you obviously did! Not all people are bad, but there are those you’d better stay away from!

Border runs would be my 1 reason for not wanting to live in Thailand…

@John – Yes, you are right. There are characters of all types all around the world!

@Ash – Thanks for sharing your story, too. It is crazy to think that this sort of thing is probably a lot more common than one would think. But it is also good to know about so we can stand up for ourselves when these things happen!

@Chris – Thanks, friend! I wish you were there to beat him up, too. Ha ha. Just hope it helps others that this is being published.

@Cody – The people I stayed with told me that the owner of the bar where SP started the fight is owned by a police officer’s wife. Apparently, they were convinced that the fight was enough evidence that this guy was a creep, and hopefully they’ve followed through with telling him my story. Also, I let the hotel know about him, in case he is trying to hang out there again. See you soon!

@Laura – Thanks so much for sharing your story. I had a friend go to India and she had a very similar Couchsurfing.com experience. She was told from this man’s profile that he was with a family, and she wanted a family experience. Once she arrived, he was very obviously making passes at her. She finally got him out of the room she was staying in, locked the door, and heard the door knob rattle every hour until six a.m. when she packed her things and bolted. Couchsurfing can be a scary place, so I suggest staying with the same sex to avoid any unwanted acts of “kindness”.

At this point, I think it is safe to say that it’s OK to be a bitch rather than end up raped. So much for my safe suburban upbringing. I’m going to be unladylike, Damn it!!

The first similarity was my own response to the situations. In both instances, I had a gut instinct that the person wasn’t trustworthy and that I should leave.

The second similarity was the response from the SP when I resisted his invitations, advances and when I got up to leave. I was met with some version of what you experienced – the other person attempting to persuade me that they had been nothing but nice to me and accusing me of being racist, paranoid or ungrateful.

One of these people was a host I was supposed to stay with who was an ambassador for the couchsurfing organization and tried to use the fact that he had positive references with this organization as a means to gain my trust and refute my concerns. Though I thought I may have been being rude at the time, I made the decision to walk away and find my own accomadation. I found out a few weeks later when staying with a different host in Bangkok that he’d sexually harassed and forced himself on two other women who’d stayed with him. After they left and wrote him a negative reference, he deleted his profile.

I’d just like to say to all the women out there, TRUST YOUR GUT. Normally it doesn’t lie. A real gentleman or someone who has your best interests at stake, will likely understand your concerns about not going somewhere with a stranger or not wanting to put yourself in an awkward position, and they will back off when you voice concern or say “no”. Anyone who continues to push you, probably doesn’t have your best interests in mind. This isn’t the time to worry about being rude. Better “rude” than dead or raped.

I ‘ll also add that on the road, as well.

As I read this though, I can’t help but thinking—screw it—out him. Tell the world his name (or at least his moniker) so others know specifically who to look out for. (I sort of can’t believe there are others who know that’s his game and sit by while it happens though.

Fuggity. Well, see you on the beach soon my friend.

While reading this my blood started to boil. My girlfriend had some sexual harsesment while we were in Loas, so I can completely understand how scared you must have been (she was on her own too, and I saw the aftermath).

What a nasty piece of shit – The sad thing is, he probably won’t stop.

Glad your now safe… just wish I could have been there to take care of you.

Glad you’re okay.