Attention - what is meant by being street smart?

Today, I have been followed, screamed at, talked to, grabbed and whistled at. Well, it is told to me that this is not common where I went. However, while walking down the streets of Brooklyn I have never in my life gotten so much attention. Scared, overwhelmed and angry I spent 4 hours walking around, desperately trying to find the stuff I was looking for, to become the gifts to some friends home in Sweden. During the whole time, guys were screaming to me from cars and when walking by me grabbing my arm and trying to pull me into side streets. But, the worst thing was though when guys were constantly following me, sometimes for several blocks. They walked two meters behind me, trying to talk to me and giving comments about how my butt looked like. When I went into a store they stood outside waiting. Finally, after a guy had been stalking me, he grabbed my arm and was angry because I had ignored him. My heart started beating really fast, and I noticed I was shaking of chock and anger. I ran into a Dunkin Donut, yes scared as well. I guess I had gotten too much. This must have been shown, because the women working there asked if everything was ok. I was too upset to hide my feelings, and told her I just wanted a taxi and go back to the hostel. She told me to sit down and called a cab for me. 15 min later I was home and safe in the hostel.   

I have always seen myself as street smart with a thick skin. But today was overwhelming, and I felt very vulnerable. Perhaps street smart does not always mean that you can handle yourself wherever you go, rather it is sometimes to actually stay away from places that could result into unwanted situations.

Nessica