Italy: a trial by fire
I underwent a "trial by fire" when I lived in Rome. Anyone who has been to Italy knows what I am talking about, it far surpasses ogling. Any acknowledgement of anyone looking was like inviting them over to talk. It got so bad that I would make dates just to escape, promising to meet them the next day etc. Construction workers would whistle at me then at a gaggle of nuns just as loud. They(the nuns) kept their heads down and hurried wherever they went and you sure never saw one alone. I had to learn to ignore everyone and keep my face expressionless when scanning crowds, and hold my head high, acting aloof and distainful of anyone who did approach, it was tough.
I had a friend who was from Paris, who was real nice and sweet and being new there, would wave to anyone who waved at her. Once a bunch of guys in a Jeep went by when we were walking in Naples, hanging out the window and waving, so what does she do? She waves back! So screeeech... they stop and back up, then a couple guys got out and tried to convince us to get in the jeep with the 4 of them! Luckily she spoke Italian and talked our way out of it, but it still took her awhile to learn, she was just excited the men were friendlier than in France.
I would purposely go out first thing in the morning to the corner store wearing baggy track pants, no make-up and a bed head and I would still get whistled at and ogled!! It is just their nature I suppose, and if any woman needs an ego boost I recommend an Italian vacation! Just remember if you don't like em the only was to get rid of them is to say "no minteresso, por favor" with a distainful shrug. That worked every time, and means I have no interest.