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Writer's pictureKirk

Traveling with an Old Person

Lately I’ve been traveling with an old person. I know for those of you who regularly read these posts will be a bit surprised by this. After all, I always write about my solo travel. But it’s true.


It came as a surprise to me too! In fact, it happened so subtly I didn’t even notice myself. But now I’m stuck with that person whenever I travel. Yeah, you guessed it, it’s me!



It all happened so gradually, that’s why I never noticed. It first began about 3 or 4 years ago when I was climbing the stair ramp to a plane. A young man behind me shocked me by asking if he could take my carryon bag up the stairs for me. I know he was trying to be kind, but that was low. I don’t think he could have insulted me more!


Maybe a year later another event happened. I was in a long line to clear immigration in a country I don’t remember (see! I am getting old!). Suddenly I was approached by a lady who worked at the airport and asked me to get out of the line. At first I thought I was flagged for extra security check, but instead she moved me to a shorter line. I was so grateful she identified me as a man of priority and distinction. Then, I saw the sign at the head of the line: Senior Citizens.



Good God! Just leave me in the long line next time.


Recently, a person told me to watch my step when I got on an escalator. Really, do I look like a trip hazard?!


Now it’s happening with more frequency. Young people asking if they can put my carry-on in the overhead storage of the plane now. Well intending youngsters continuing to insult me.


Now I take care of myself. I have what I call as a 100% rule. That means I excercise everyday, 100% of the days. I never take a day off unless I’m sick, can’t because of travel, or having surgery. I excercise an hour everyday by lifting weights, doing pushups and sit-ups, stretching, and 30 minutes of cardio. I’m in decent shape for my age and I am more than capable of taking care of my travel needs. So what’s with all this senior stuff?


I have thought more about how I should react. I do have options! I could:


A. Politely decline their offer and show them I can do it myself. Thanking them for their offer.




B. Thank them and accept their offer, therefore giving them the pleasure of helping an old soul:



C. Smash their face in for insulting me!



So what do I do?


I started out by wanting to do option C, but instead actually doing option A. I just am not ready to be a senior yet despite my age. But now I have morphed into option B. I accept their offers now. I mean, why deny them the pleasure of gratification? Besides, maybe I’ll injure my back one day lifting my 40 lb carry-on.


I guess I have to face the fact I’m stuck traveling with an old man. Whether I like it or not is irrelevant. I think I’ll just embrace the benefits of it. From now on I guess I’ll ask for those senior discounts at the restaurants too. Did you know some McDonalds offer senior coffees? Not everywhere, but certain locations. Yeah, one $1 senior coffee to go please….



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Mike Wells
Mike Wells
5月13日
5つ星のうち5と評価されています。

Reality has finally arrived you must look older than you are and people feel you need the help. Just to let you know people are not holding the door carrying my bags etc. Not sure what's happening

いいね!
Kirk
Kirk
5月14日
返信先

Yeah thanks! That makes me feel better! ☹️

いいね!
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