Portland Encounter on the street

[Alan H]

So, two weeks ago I was in Portland for a conference. I was out on the street, walking through downtown, just sort of looking at the City and keeping an eyeout for Powells bookstore. Anyway, up the street comes a trio of late-teens, early 20-somethings, *VERY* punked out. They all had numerous piercings, several tattloos, most items they were wearing were black, etc. The young woman in the group was really quite attractive, though it always takes me a moment or two to see past the fishnet stockings combined with combat boots, and eye makeup so heavy it's a wonder she can keep her eyes open at all.

't'any rate, so I'm cruising down the sidewalk, and these three pass me, coming up the street at me as just before we're right next to each other, the young woman says....

....keep in mind that I was expecting some snide comment, if anything.....

"You're looking really sharp, there, Sir".

I was stunned.. So I stopped and told her something like this...

First, it's really nice of you to tell me that I'm looking sharp, today....thank you! What makes it all the better is that it's coming from a good looking, hot lady like yourself.

BUT

lass, do you have any idea how depressing it is for me to hear you, good lookin' lass that you are.... call me "Sir"?

We shared a laugh, and carried on our respective ways. Just goes to show that judging folks on first glance is dumb, AND that whole encounter never would have happened if I hadn't been wearing a kilt.

[Alan H]

for another discussion of how I made a fool out of myself by judging someone on their looks, go look at the Off Topic forum.

[Highlander31]

Nice story Alan. Sounds like they may have discovered the same thing with you.

[thomsec]

Great story Alan, I can relate to that one on many different levels. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Charlie

[Carolina Kiltman]

As an ex-Navy officer, living in the Old South, plus white hair, white beard and looking my 75 years, I am used to be called "sir", but to be told by a young lady, no older than some of my Grandchildren that I look "hot" in the kilt is something else!

[McFarkus]

Great story!!

[Sionnach]

So my question is- did you ever get to Powell's, and if you did- how did you find your way out?! But, a great story.

[79thReproductions]

Sounds pretty common for here. Us Portlanders are odd like that.

[Alan H]

So my question is- did you ever get to Powell's, and if you did- how did you find your way out?! But, a great story.

I did, I had a "date" with a friend from a non-kilt online venue that I've known for a decade. So we sat in Powells and drank tea and shot the breeze and then went and looked up the books from an author that we both know from that board, and generally had fun. I managed to emerge from the store having only spent eight dollars (a book for the clan tent on tartans) and was amazed that I got out that cheaply! Powells is AMAZING!!!

[Sionnach]

I Powells is AMAZING!!!

Sounds like you got out with your wallet intact. 'Tis a great bookstore.