I thought I was a quick walker. I mean, I know I've slowed down with age, but I still thought I walked at a pretty good clip. That was until I moved here. I'm often being passed by someone while I'm walking down the street. I know Dutchies tend to be tall, but even the ones who don't look to be that much taller than I am are whizzing past me. A friend and I took a "free" tour of Den Hagg. (I say "free" because the tour guide told us as part of her introduction that there was an expectation of a tip once the tour was completed) I didn't think the tour guide was that much taller than I am. Sure, I was old enough to be her mother, but still... I walk every day. Any who... my friend and I were often at the back of the group as we walked through the city. Sigh.
So... 1 small thing that makes me feel "good" is when *I* overtake someone while walking on the street. I don't care if they're 200 years old and using a cane... I have walked faster than a Dutchie!! WOO HOO!
During the colder months, I was often bundled up with a hat, and a scarf, and a warm coat... and still feeling chilled by the wind. (I purchased some AWESOME earmuffs while in Ireland last month because my inner ear will start to hurt from the wind, which there is no short supply of here in Scheveningen. They should help a lot come winter time.) I'd be walking along the beach seeing many people with no hats on acting like it was almost tropical!! Meanwhile I'm shivering, trying to pull my hat over my entire body.
Every so often, though, there will be times when I'm not dressed like a polar vortex is happening and I will see someone who is all bundled up. And I think to myself.. "YES! I'm not the coldest person out here!!!"
It's sad, I know, that these things make me feel better. But when you're the one who is standing out like a sore thumb much of the time, it's nice to be blending in on occasion.
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