- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2015-2023 walked all or part of CF 11 times
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I never ask anyone their age, whatever their hair colour!
When I was young my mother told me never to discuss age or weight with a lady, and I still do not all these years later. A bit of a surprise to read these instances of men who do, especially to total strangers. I would never do that.
I was also taught to offer your seat to a lady if no other seats are available. So peregrina2000 please give guys like me some slack when we do that.
Well, your avatar is a lovely and distinguished photo of you anyway. Lol!I look back with nostalgia to the days when I actually had hair . . . .
three lovely sisters...close resemblance.I let my hair go gray 8 years ago and love the freedom of not worrying about the roots needing touch ups. I don't care if it makes me look older..."it is what it is". Here's a photo from a year ago of me with my two sisters. I'm in the middle.
View attachment 45989
're your dad's shopping bag,I went on Camino day's after my 70th birthday,and my youngest grandchildren gave me a badge to wear,stating I must wear it at all times whilst on Camino.The badge stated I was70 years young and proud of it.They said "it would show people that"I WAS A VERY OLD MAN AND THEY WOULD RESPECT ME ".It raised a lot of smiles (especially when I told the story behnd it)and even requests for photos of it.Not intending to provoke, I’m curious. Why do you think it’s considered rude in some quarters to ask another his/her age? I’ve never really thought about that, but it seems that it must be because being old is in some way something to be ashamed or sorry about. I guess that is also why many people go to great lengths to cover up their age. I always have heard that in some Asian and Native American cultures, older people are revered, so I wonder if the questions about age are ok there.
My dad takes a little bus to a grocery store on a weekly basis and proudly carries the reusable bag we gave him which states in big letters: I’m 94, what’s your excuse? Maybe I’ll wear something like that on my next Camino (this last comment was thrown in just so no one complains about an off-Camino comment).
Thank you, kirkie. My sister on the left side of the photo is the one that passed away 3 weeks ago.three lovely sisters...close resemblance.
How old are you, Dominique?I never ask anyone their age, whatever their hair colour!
I was also 78 and grey haired when I walked earlier this year. So long as people don’t say “You look good” and then add FOR YOUR AGE! I really don’t mind folks asking. I’m often tempted to say that I am 90 and see what the response might beWas reading Laurie’s comment about her white hair being an asset. Was wondering about others with white or grey hair?
When we walked from Pamplona to SdC from end of Feb. to beginning of April 2018 my sister who has mostly white hair with a touch of black (full bodied) at the age of 78 was continually asked by men of all ages (never a woman) how old she was? Now I recognize the weather was brutal, and there were not very many pilgrims, especially till we got to Sarria, so our ages were in contrast, but I am wondering if others have had a similar experience?
Ah. I am so sorry. It is never time to lose a sibling.Thank you, kirkie. My sister on the left side of the photo is the one that passed away 3 weeks ago.
Just the way I was raised and something I would never do, especially with someone I did not know. I just find it rude, and it was taught to me to be a rude thing to do. Someone I know, or get to know and have extended conversations with or we become friends, would I discuss age then? Sure, of course.Not intending to provoke, I’m curious. Why do you think it’s considered rude in some quarters to ask another his/her age?
Ask someone's age? Mercy! That's so rude,
Very true. I don't know about the rest of Asia, but in some places it's something people ask about as soon as they meet you, in order to determine what language to use - how to refer to oneself and the other person depends on relative age and status.I always have heard that in some Asian and Native American cultures, older people are revered, so I wonder if the questions about age are ok there.
o have a complete stranger come up to me and ask me, as he is walking past, how old I am, is to me an almost unthinkable level of rudeness.
I sooo agree with you! I grew up in the same culture that tends to view such questions as rude. However, many aspects of that culture have changed and many stereotypes and barriers been reduced. I am happy to support many of those changes, such as the focus on youthful appearance especially for women. I will sometimes ask people their age and I am always proud to answer the question.Not intending to provoke, I’m curious. Why do you think it’s considered rude in some quarters to ask another his/her age? I’ve never really thought about that, but it seems that it must be because being old is in some way something to be ashamed or sorry about. I guess that is also why many people go to great lengths to cover up their age. I always have heard that in some Asian and Native American cultures, older people are revered, so I wonder if the questions about age are ok there.
My mother was so vain, that she scratched off her year of birth on her driver's license. She got stopped by a police officer in traffic, who told her it was illegal to deface your license. He then asked her what year she was born and she refused to tell him, so I had to bail her out of jail. That was my mom!
But why is it "vain" to hide your age? That again implies that there is something wrong with age, doesn't it?
Yes it does imply there is something wrong with age, especially in the USA where every aging actress and model eventually does so much "work" to look youthful, they eventually look like plastic dolls. And for women especially, we must be confident in ourselves as we age, because the implication from the media is that we are pretty much dried up and have little value.But why is it "vain" to hide your age? That again implies that there is something wrong with age, doesn't it?
That is why I do my little bit to insist that I don't mind having recently turned 70. I honestly am happy to be past the competitions of youth appearance. My only dissatisfaction is the awareness that I am approaching a time when my health and fitness are very likely to decline.Yes it does imply there is something wrong with age, especially in the USA where every aging actress and model eventually does so much "work" to look youthful, they eventually look like plastic dolls. And for women especially, if we are not confident in ourselves as we age, the implication from the media is that we are pretty much dried up and have little value.
Yes!Silver hair and five Camino and never asked. Should I worry?
In my mom's case, I called it vanity that she cared so much about people knowing what her age was.Yes it does imply there is something wrong with age, especially in the USA where every aging actress and model eventually does so much "work" to look youthful, they eventually look like plastic dolls. And for women especially, we must be confident in ourselves as we age, because the implication from the media is that we are pretty much dried up and have little value.
It’s not rude it’s curiosity- Asians aren’t intrigued by older travellers and I’m often. Asked in Asia even though we both dye our hair and are 56/66I got thoroughly sick of men on the camino, mostly Spanish, but one determined Korean, asking me my age because I have white hair. I don't answer any more. To have a complete stranger come up to me and ask me, as he is walking past, how old I am, is to me an almost unthinkable level of rudeness. On the other hand, I don't mind at all being offered a seat on public transit, even after I have walked 1,000 km.
Love your new avatar!
About age.... I had been walking for a while with a pilgrim friend - t’was in Azofra I think - and I entrusted him with my passport to get a stamp....He saw my age and freaked out ‘How OLD?????’
I replied he had very little chance to live to my age if he carried on about it that way
We’re still friends btw but...just!
three lovely sisters...close resemblance.
I am always trying my library card for various uses.I had given her my library card ...... again no question, senior rate!
Permission taken to add another telegram story. The granny in the story had grey/white hair!And, while we're talking telegrams (which we weren't) a journalist from TIME magazine, a certain Harry Ree, was trying to track down U Thant the then Secretary General of the UN. He asked his informants to respond to him at his hotel where he was staying in Suite R.
Eventual a reply came addressed to him and stating:
R SUITE MR REE OF LIFE I FOUND U
(Credit to the late Frank Muir, Wordsmith)
Ah, sweet mystery of life, I've found you . . . .
I am always trying my library card for various uses.
I am always trying my library card for various uses.
I know. We get older, but looking outward from our own minds we really don't change all that much from when we were younger, at least I don't think I have.Hah, I've acted my age for years. Trouble is the age I'm acting is mid-twenties
Did you tell them that one is as old as one feels, and that right then, “I’m feeling very young.”?I very often get told to act my age.
When buying alcohol at the local supermarket I always insist the cashier asks me if I'm over 25 as a matter of principle.Having grey hair does have its advantages. Without my being asked, I've automatically been charged the senior rate when paying for movies and the like, usually when the cashier was young and thought anyone with grey hair must be old.
Also, there was the time that I got to the ticket booth and could not remember the name of the movie I had gone to see ...... no question, senior rate!
And the time that the cashier, instead of giving me my ticket, just kept staring at me. Turned out that instead of handing her my credit card, I had given her my library card ...... again no question, senior rate!
Not intending to provoke, I’m curious. Why do you think it’s considered rude in some quarters to ask another his/her age? I’ve never really thought about that, but it seems that it must be because being old is in some way something to be ashamed or sorry about. I guess that is also why many people go to great lengths to cover up their age. I always have heard that in some Asian and Native American cultures, older people are revered, so I wonder if the questions about age are ok there.
My dad takes a little bus to a grocery store on a weekly basis and proudly carries the reusable bag we gave him which states in big letters: I’m 94, what’s your excuse? Maybe I’ll wear something like that on my next Camino (this last comment was thrown in just so no one complains about an off-Camino comment).
@peregrina2000Not intending to provoke, I’m curious. Why do you think it’s considered rude in some quarters to ask another his/her age? I’ve never really thought about that, but it seems that it must be because being old is in some way something to be ashamed or sorry about. I guess that is also why many people go to great lengths to cover up their age. I always have heard that in some Asian and Native American cultures, older people are revered, so I wonder if the questions about age are ok there.
@peregrina2000
I will not accept the limitations which others place on me because of age or gender. I am a woman of whatever age and I do what I choose to do.
I have had white hair since I was in my late 30s. ........ Now, since I’ve been grey for so many years, when I see people I haven’t seen in ten or twenty years, there is no shock since they remember me that way anyway!!
I am snow white grey and 77 years old. I start walking in 2 weeks time. I fail to understand why the colour of hair should be of interest. I would not respond at all!Was reading Laurie’s comment about her white hair being an asset. Was wondering about others with white or grey hair?
When we walked from Pamplona to SdC from end of Feb. to beginning of April 2018 my sister who has mostly white hair with a touch of black (full bodied) at the age of 78 was continually asked by men of all ages (never a woman) how old she was? Now I recognize the weather was brutal, and there were not very many pilgrims, especially till we got to Sarria, so our ages were in contrast, but I am wondering if others have had a similar experience?
It looks lovely and natural. I think coloured hair usually looks unnatural and doesn't match skin tone...I let my hair go gray 8 years ago and love the freedom of not worrying about the roots needing touch ups. I don't care if it makes me look older..."it is what it is". Here's a photo from a year ago of me with my two sisters. I'm in the middle.
View attachment 45989
Must be a short news weekWas reading Laurie’s comment about her white hair being an asset. Was wondering about others with white or grey hair?
When we walked from Pamplona to SdC from end of Feb. to beginning of April 2018 my sister who has mostly white hair with a touch of black (full bodied) at the age of 78 was continually asked by men of all ages (never a woman) how old she was? Now I recognize the weather was brutal, and there were not very many pilgrims, especially till we got to Sarria, so our ages were in contrast, but I am wondering if others have had a similar experience?
Exactly! Act the age you feel. I started at SJPP in April and with my white beard and not much hair, I felt like a minority for a while,,, except I enjoyed the long mileage days, partying and dancing at night! I had a blast! After Sahagun, those with dark hair started becoming lower percentage. By the time I hit Sarria, it looked like visiting my grandmother at the nursing home. Hair color doesn't matter, age is just a state of mind We're all at least young enough to enjoy the trip! And I confess, I'm 60 by the calendar.Hah, I've acted my age for years. Trouble is the age I'm acting is mid-twenties
Was reading Laurie’s comment about her white hair being an asset. Was wondering about others with white or grey hair?
When we walked from Pamplona to SdC from end of Feb. to beginning of April 2018 my sister who has mostly white hair with a touch of black (full bodied) at the age of 78 was continually asked by men of all ages (never a woman) how old she was? Now I recognize the weather was brutal, and there were not very many pilgrims, especially till we got to Sarria, so our ages were in contrast, but I am wondering if others have had a similar experience?
I let my hair go gray 8 years ago and love the freedom of not worrying about the roots needing touch ups. I don't care if it makes me look older..."it is what it is". Here's a photo from a year ago of me with my two sisters. I'm in the middle.
View attachment 45989
But it's good to know how kind and considerate people still are.I have had white hair since I was in my late 30s. No way was I going to spend the time and money to keep my hair colored with chemicals, so I let it go. Now, since I’ve been grey for so many years, when I see people I haven’t seen in ten or twenty years, there is no shock since they remember me that way anyway!
I’m sure I’ve told this story before, but once on the Primitivo, I arrived before the albergue opened. There were a couple of Spanish guy peregrinos, middle aged, already there waiting. I could tell they were talking about me, which always feels weird, but then one of the guys came over and asked if I would mind telling them how old I was. I have no problem with that, so I told them — it was around 64 or 65, I think. He said, oh, we thought you were much older.
I think that the curiosity is natural and I don’t mind it. I don’t remember an unusual interest on the camino, but I get the question more frequently there than at home. And it does have its benefits sometimes— this year when I walked a 43 or so stage from Córdoba, the man behind the counter when I arrived was so shocked when he stamped my credential that he cleaned up a special corner of his garage, and put sheets on a bed there, so I would have privacy and quiet. But I do admit to being a bit annoyed when riding the Madrid metro with my pack on and finding all these polite young-uns hopping up to give me a seat. Come on guys, I’ve just walked 1000 km!
Gosh, it would be hard to reconnect with you anyway with that moniker of yours. How do you pronounce itBut it's good to know how kind and considerate people still are.
Or trying to pass for younger could be one trying to have the world see the inner person.Here's one kind of provocative statement from the article about this issue, that is a bit more extreme than what I think, but there are kernels.
Anti-ageism activist Ashton Applewhite wrote that one problem with trying to pass for younger is that it’s like a gay person trying to pass for straight — it’s based in shame over something that is not shameful.
Today's Chicago Tribune had a piece that reminded me of this thread.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-biz-gray-hair-rebellion-20180830-story.html
Here's one kind of provocative statement from the article about this issue, that is a bit more extreme than what I think, but there are kernels.
Anti-ageism activist Ashton Applewhite wrote that one problem with trying to pass for younger is that it’s like a gay person trying to pass for straight — it’s based in shame over something that is not shameful.
Buen camino, Laurie
I’m a natural blond, we don’t go white, we go mousy! I could handle white but I’m not doing mousy! Fortunately i only need it done every 6 months or so. I might use the Camino as a chance to die it purple though just for a change!
Lemon juice and sun will doI’m a natural blond, we don’t go white, we go mousy! I could handle white but I’m not doing mousy! Fortunately i only need it done every 6 months or so. I might use the Camino as a chance to die it purple though just for a change!
Yes it does imply there is something wrong with age, especially in the USA where every aging actress and model eventually does so much "work" to look youthful, they eventually look like plastic dolls. And for women especially, we must be confident in ourselves as we age, because the implication from the media is that we are pretty much dried up and have little value.
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