So I guess you're saying that even though it's the custom in our country, unlike many third world countries, etc. to cover the tits, if you could go completely nude here on the beach without getting arrested, you'd do it because you are proud of your body. What about on the streets too, if you wouldn't get arrested? That's probably only if everyone else is doing it too right? If so-it's the sheep syndrome.

What's with all the hostility "Janey"? <BR>What's it to you if someone wants to sunbathe unclothed? It's your prerogative to ignore it. <BR>As for the 'sheep syndrome', there are lots of similar examples which are very reasonable and acceptable: if you're at a concert (rock) and all those around you start singing, mostly to themselves because they're enjoying the feeling, and you join in because you'd no longer be the only one, is that a sign of mindless 'sheepism'? Don't think so. <BR>Have a glass of wine and try to think something positive. You'll live longer (and better).

My Lord Janey, <BR> <BR>Did you wake up pissy or are you always this way? All the lady is saying is that she wants to try new experiences that are not easily available to her in the states. She is not talking about doing drugs or breaking any laws. <BR> <BR>People not accustomed to being around water may try para-sailing on a vacation. Do you have as much as a nasty attitude towards waters sports too? I want to try white water rafting--does that make me a sheep simply because a want to experience something? <BR> <BR>Have you ever tried anything new? Perhaps you should, it might make you more energized and less grouchy.

OK- I see, it's trying something new. That's all I wanted to know-"what is the motivation and obsession about going to Europe to strip on the beach?" <BR>Whitewater rafting, yes, that does sound good. So we should all go buck naked so we can experience something new! My husband can pull his prick out and get a suntan-so he can try something new. Hmmmm-maybe we could all go to Europe and walk out on the beach naked and walk around and just say to ourselves, heh-we're trying something new!!! Great logic-go for it!

Janey, <BR> <BR>Please watch your language. It is offensive and rude and unnecessary and totally lacking in class. <BR> <BR>Dang!

Goll darnet-sorry that the word naked and the word prick might have offended you-Dadgummit.

Wow!!!

Janey, <BR> <BR>Your behavior on this thread is quite skanky. If you have kids, would you encourage them to speak the way you do?

I was trying to stay out of the sniping that began after Janey got so bent out of shape. <BR>First of all, does it really matter to you Janey who wears what ,where? <BR>Second of all the word you used to describe your husband's anatomy, is crude and tacky. And makes you sound childish. <BR>Nancy

Janey, <BR>I think all this woman wanted to do was be reassured that if she did go topless, it would not freak the majority of the beach population out. <BR>You are getting unnecessarily forceful here. <BR>Not Janey

Not about Barcelona, but somewhat relevant: Some women seek out a gay beach, because the men there are understandably not freaked out if they happen to see women's breasts. However, heterosexual guys seem to be picking up on this trend; the last time I was at the gay beach in Miami, I noticed a few guys who were obviously not gay, but were trying to pass as gay (!! - they were visably uncomfortable) so that they could be in close proximity to the topless women who were there. To be honest, I was really enjoying watching those guys squirm, being checked out by a bunch of other guys. <BR> <BR>By the way, I am told Sitges has a substantial gay population. I don't know however if there is a segregated gay beach, such as in Miami. Though, from what others have observed, it shouldn't matter anyway in Spain.

Some European lady above lashed out at someone for asking if they could go naked on a European beach, like it was inconceivable. All the Germans do it, all the time, everywhere. Go to any public park in Germany on a sunny day and you'll see more naked people than I'm sure you wanted to see. It's not such a unreasonable proposal. I don't think the rest of Europe has quite the propensity for removing their clothes but there are nude beaches everywhere. <BR>To the prude Janey, stop being so narrow minded and judgmental. Even if they are going topless to get attention, so what? Not everyone is so uptight about taking off their clothes as you obviously are. What's the big deal???

Let's see, I think I understand: <BR> <BR>European and American women bathe topless for the most part because they want attention from men. Men become lecherous goats because they stare. What exactly is wrong with this picture? <BR> <BR>Ah yes, the doubkle standard thing again, I get it now!

Good point!!! <BR>Women do go topless to attract attention and then you see some get upset about men gawking-wow. I wear a thong because I have a really firm and nice butt. I sure don't mind them looking at me-that's why I wear it! <BR>

I would disagree--my observation is that very few American women go topless on European beaches. Most don't have the (guts?,daring?, bravado?) to try it. Cheers for the ones that do!

While on Mykonos I went every day to Paradise Beach where nude sunbathing is accepted. Why? First, for the 'new' experience. Second, because I thought it would be wonderful to feel the sun on my entire body. It was wonderful. I knew that there was no one there I would ever see again, and it was a bit like fulfilling a fantasy. I watched what others did -- I put on my bathsuit to walk around or walk up to the restaurant. I was nude only while at my blanket/towel or whatever I used at the time. I do not (did not) have a great body, but what difference did that make? I did this for me -- not for anyone else -- not for drawing attention. Also, knowing that I was going to do this (I'm the kind who plans everything) I went to a tanning salon for 10 minutes every day for about three weeks before heading for Greece. Getting severely burned while on vacation is a good way to ruin a vacation. There were parts of my body that had not been exposed to the sun in over 30 years.

I was in Mykonos and thanks to some American broad who laid around naked all spread eagled every day I could never get up and walk around because I was ashamed of the bulge in my Speedos.

While in Spain the only women I saw topless were older ( 50+?). Of course they could have been much younger and just looked that way from years of sun exposure, however, none of them seemed to be doing it for attention, but just to get an even tan. I don't have the guts to do it, maybe by the time I'm 60 I won't care (and neither will anyone else). The only thing that really confused me was why all the hefty old wrinkled guys all were wearing Speedos. Now that surely is a crime.(no this was not a reference to the above post.)

Why is that any time an American is interested in doing anything that others see it as insulting? Sounds like Xenophobia as opposed to a decent discussion.

Men go topless at the beach all of the time. Why shouldn't a woman do the same? What is the big deal???