Glenn Rowe
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- .
I am proud of each of my 70 years. I'm also proud of every gray hair on my head. (I can even tell you how I got most of them.
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How very, very RUDE of them! I would have sent them flying. But then I am not as nice as you are, by all accounts
I am proud of each of my 70 years. I'm also proud of every gray hair on my head. (I can even tell you how I got most of them.) I have no problem answering the question, and get a fair amount of satisfaction when I see surprise on the questioner's face.
My comment was made because where I come from it is very rude to ask a lady her age, unless she's very young (like 12!) . We all differ, thank goodness
I think most of us come from that background. However, it is great to be able to enjoy casting conventions to the wind!My comment was made because where I come from it is very rude to ask a lady her age, unless she's very young (like 12!)
And remember: youth and talent will never overcome old age and treachery!Being young isn't an accomplishment.
It just is.
Getting older requires a certain amount of skill.
And a sense of humor.
Thanks Penny will try to keep up the Fletcher's good name. MikeMichael Fletcher
Small world...my maiden name is Penny Fletcher and I have a brother Michael.
Have an awesome walk !
Getting older requires a certain amount of skill.
And a sense of humor.
Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I
white hair and all, I was never offered the bottom bunk even when struggling to get into the top one. So much for manners.Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.
Did they move someone out to make room for you? If so -- yes, that's a bad sign.Oh oh.
I got a bottom bunk for tonight.
Is that a bad sign??
Well, I'm coming back. Yep. After a two year hiatus I am returning to the Camino. Two years older and missing that Camino feeling of deep reflection, complete connection to the Earth, divine blessing and blister bursting pace, I have pledged to re-lose the pounds I gained post-Camino. Sure, it would have been easier to just NOT eat that second helping, to actually go out and walk or swim or bike, but somehow in the last two years my sixty something body slowed down, my mind said "It's only a few ounces", and I slid down that slippery slope to fat again.
That, and I miss the Camino mind set, that enveloping reality of walk-think-pray-eat-sleep-repeat that consumes you and transforms you, strips you bare and beats you down then rebuilds you to your real self.
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
I'm coming for you, St. James.
Are you ready?
I may be Elderly, but I'm feisty.
Don't be daft. 70 isn't elderly. Not if you are walking 20 kms or more a day. But it does merit the bottom bunk.I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
Really. Insulting me? Have you not bothered to read the previous posts. 3 messages in and you already show your ignorance. good job.Don't be daft. 70 isn't elderly. Not if you are walking 20 kms or more a day. But it does merit the bottom bunk.
OK I am going to play devils advocate here.
Surely if you are fit enough to walk a camino then you are fit enough to take a top bunk?
(runs away with head covered by hands)
I want my real self back. My comfort zone is uncomfortable. Nothing makes sense anymore. I want pain(but not too much) and lukewarm food, and real deep red wine.
I thought I was hot stuff, and very lucky, for the first two weeks of my Camino in 2015. I was constantly blessed with the bottom bunk! How fortunate! Then I saw a small sign in an Albergue that said in Spanish "Save the Bottom Bunks for the Elderly." I was not lucky, I was Elderly.
Just one of the many ways the Camino took me down a notch and held that big mirror to my true self.
Haha now I like that !Not so bad being elderly if it gets you the bottom bunk. I am just 68 years young and I not only got bottom bunks all but one night, I even managed to get beds on occasions. In one albergue, I was a bit late in and there were only top bunks left. The young guy beneath me without any prompting from anyone offered to swap but only after we had all showered and as long as I put the sheets and pillow cases on as he did not want to do that twice. Came back from my shower and he had made the beds and moved all my stuff from top to bottom then took me for a drink and he did not even partake of alcohol. So enjoy being classed as elderly, it can be fun and the youngsters can be great company
Unbelievable isn't it?I can't resist sharing my story and although it was on my first camino a few years ago now, I have never forgotten.
Larrasoaña, municipal albergue. My friend and I were shown to a small room with 2 bunk beds and the hospitalera said to me: ' quick, ladies, grab the bottom bunks' which we of course did. Two young girls are later shown into the room, 18 and 20. We knew that as we'd talked to them on the way whilst helping them with their blisters... Anyway, THEY were the ones who asked us to move to the top bunks
As my answer was something like 'oh don't be so silly', they proceeded to take their mattresses down and filled the rest of the room with them. A right pain when you wanted to leave or enter the room, we had to walk on their beds. Oh dear, never mind
PS: Of course, I hasten to add that had they had an injury or otherwise impaired, I would have been the first one to offer my bottom bank. Never mind the age. But they were much fitter than us both.
OK I am going to play devils advocate here.
Surely if you are fit enough to walk a camino then you are fit enough to take a top bunk?
(runs away with head covered by hands)
Just a short response to the "common-sense" notion that being able to walk long distances proves one fit enough to climb into a top bunk. (I am sure it is held by more folks than @long trails and am not in the slightest offended by this idea, but this is the post that gives me the opportunity to provide another perspective.)
Definition of Elderly. Old enough to know that the bottom bunk is preferrable!
Hey there Alaska, might you be familiar with the acronym "RED" made famously topical by the movie starring Bruce Willis. Keep it in mind should you unintentionally age into the ranks.
Ah! Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich, the perfect portrayers of R.E.D.
Oops! Yes indeed! (Sorry for my "senior moment". Helen Mirren is actually one of my all-time favorites.)and Helen Mirrim
@Sailor : There was a time when I also preferred the top bunk. In areas without air conditioning they were always just a bit cooler (aka breezy) and more comfortable. Too, they were generally less affected by the unpleasant -- um -- gaseous emanations that all humans produce during sleep.No problems, anyone can take my bottom bunk, or my middle bunk [if three-staker such as in US Navy warships]. Life long seaman, served in muchos ships, muchas nights at sea, always took the top bunk even when I had the seniority to take the middle or bottom bunk. Albuergues TOP BUNK, here I go! To all caminantes, good luck y que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.
Now, Glenn, that was funny [the emanations part]. Thank for the note y que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.. . . This means I must endure whatever conditions/situations/emanations that accompany said location . . . .
Now, Glenn, that was funny [the emanations part].
never have to request it because your nerve pain is so bad that placing your feet on the ladder to climb is excruciating.
Elderly is insulting. ...I dislike the word elderly because it's often used to describe people as somehow less capable....age is just a number...my greatest example was my 98 year old great grandmother. I'm 53 now walked it in total last year at 52. Until I was 50 and M.S. worsened I rode my bike 2-3 times a week for recreational 100 rides. I also competed in body building....as a mother of 5 grandmother of 6. Requiring a bottom bunk has nothing to do about age or ability. I pray that all that think it's funny...never have to request it because your nerve pain is so bad that placing your feet on the ladder to climb is excruciating. And in the morning climbing out after a sleepless night and falling.....I'm not elderly or disabled.....I'm a determined individual that refuses to give up on a lifelong dream because of a diagnosis. Also those you call elderly ....are amazng individuals that likely feel 30 and unfortunately aren't. They should be congratulated and encouraged .... luckily the Camino friends I encountered of all ages were like minded ....and we all encouraged each other....being under 40 doesn't guarantee completion...I watched many younger able Bodied individuals go home unable to physically continue
Just be kind ....generous. ....thoughtful...I have a degree in gerontology a healthcare background ....I see people without labels.
....I dislike the word elderly because it's often used to describe people as somehow less capable .... age is just a number
I don't consider it insulting.Elderly is insulting
I don't consider it insulting.
Oldies in great shape milking their age for comfort?Pehaps one of you wise people will come up with a good word for female and male pilgrims older than 60 who appreciate bottom bunks.
I count myself lucky when there are ladders and not just having to climb up at the foot of the bed with the structural bars. As for getting down, I now bypass the ladder and just use the bunk in front of mine, as long as the bunks are close enough to each other.The ladders are the worst! I can't turn around to go down backwards and have to go down face first. Edit: facing outward!
Always a moment of terror!
Try "anciana".I got into terrible trouble when I referred to myself as a "vieja". Apparently it is an absolute no-no to call anyone "old" in Spanish. I now use the term "señora major".
I think you mean señora mayorI got into terrible trouble when I referred to myself as a "vieja". Apparently it is an absolute no-no to call anyone "old" in Spanish. I now use the term "señora major".
Just a short response to the "common-sense" notion that being able to walk long distances proves one fit enough to climb into a top bunk. (I am sure it is held by more folks than @long trails and am not in the slightest offended by this idea, but this is the post that gives me the opportunity to provide another perspective.)
I have very severe neuropathy in my feet, with foot drop on both sides. I'm able to walk with the aid of orthotics. (And drive: When I hit the automobile accelerator or brake too hard, I say to my friends, "You try driving on stilts".)
Without them, climbing ladders (such as trying to get out of a swimming pool), pedaling a bicycle, walking on tiptoes, etc., just doesn't work.
I have other issues that may cut short my Camino attempt, but they are not directly related to my ability to walk long distances. I can do that. Clambering up and down to and from a top bunk is another matter. I can do it, although with somewhat less proficiency than Dr. Johnson's dog walking on its hind legs. I shudder to think of someone with some of the common symptoms of MS being forced to do so.
I don't anticipate any problems for myself but just want to point out that making superficial judgments about others can lead one astray.
I couldn't resist. I'm 71 and I consider myself 36 still in my mindI don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
Yes, the closer you get to the next decade, the requirements of definition do change.I don't consider 60-something elderly. It's the new 50. To me elderly is 70. Subject to change the closer I get
70??? Here now.Yes, the closer you get to the next decade, the requirements of definition do change.
Just be aware that if you book on Booking.com and ask for single beds you may arrive to find a different option has been reserved for you.
Just back from our Porto to Santiago camino. Twice via booking we requested 3 single beds. First time fortunately we had 3 very good bottom bunks in a modern spacious dorm. Second time the owner hadn't replied to my special request and looked sheepish when we arrived. In the end we accepted a small room with two sets of bunks. One of our group bravely volunteered to take a top bunk . The owner grumbled that she was losing 15 euros by not renting out the free top bed.
We learned that we needed to study the pictures more closely.
We have a joint age of 208!
Seriously?So why are you posting on a thread for the elderly?
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