blonde woman discovers oppression in zone 1, very brave

Walking down Edgware Road, I can feel leering eyes burning into me I feel almost naked. Exposed. Extremely self-conscious of my blondeness and Western dress. I zip my coat up as high as possible and tuck my long hair down into the collar I avert my eyes to the pavement and try to walk as quickly as possible, willing myself to be invisible. I am trying to ignore the hissed comments from men sat outside coffee shops with Shisha and cigarettes. There is a tight fist of anxiety in my sternum as my pace quickens. But this isn't a far flung, dangerous land that comes with a Governmental Travel Advisory Warning for solo women. This is my capital city. London. Yet I know I don't belong here. I am the exotic stranger having to adapt my dress and behaviour for my own safety.