Old People in Madrid

So since this blog speaks about cultural differences I want to point out the face that there are 1 zillion elderly people in Madrid. This is not particularly bothersome to me, as I love old people. You know, the older, the wiser. However, it was a shock to me to see so many older people living in a large city, especially coming from new york, where those over 40 are scorned...and everyone over 40 has work done.

The main annoying thing about the old people, well I guess there are two. The first one is that they walk slow and stuff and I am sorry but I am still in nyc mode and like, slam by everyone so its annoying. But I totally feel bad for thinking this, I swear I am not a bad person.

The second annoying thing is that older people feel the need to talk to you constantly, especially in public transport. Now, some comments are nice, or fine. Oh, I see you are reading an english book, are you american? This is an example of an okay comment. Although I am used to the ´put my headphones on no one speak to me´nyc attitude (or maybe american attitude in general) I don´t mind when they say nice things.

Now the bothersome comments begin when older people...well...regañarme. I am not even sure how that translates in english haha but basically when they correct me or nag me or yell at me for something. For example, for the past for weeks I have had an obscene cough, I sound like a smoking homeless man, I know. So atleast 3 elderly people have stopped me on the bus to ask me about my cough, tell me what medicines to take, and to go to the doctor, to wear a scarf etc. (have been to the doctor 3 times thus far and have a pharmacy bigger than texas in my apartment). My favorite comment was when I was ambushed by two old men and told I look romanian, why am i not romanian, that I totally must be romanian???? Other comments include, you have paint on your shirt, and your nail polish is chipping, that I should carry a bigger purse with more supportive straps because it looks to heavy and I am slouching.

I am all for believing that the older, the wiser, but really now, I have a mother already, I don´t need any more people telling me whats wrong with me.

That being said, I still smile affectionally when I see two, four feet tall 90 year old women with hooked arms, walking down the street in their best skirt suits, gossiping about this and that...it warms my heart. And I have to hand it to them, my parents, at age 60, are in bed by 9 pm, and I see old people all over the place, bars, restaurants, walking around, at all hours of the night. I hope when I am 76 years old I am drinking wine with my girlfriends at 1130 pm on a wednesday!!!!

Comments welcome!