My Danish friend and I wait for the “Big Bus Tours” bus stop on Park Lane, a road flanking the eastern side of Hyde Park.
We are bundled up in warm sweaters, and I’m wondering how global warming can make May feel like December.
A young man approaches. He reminds me of a college student, and I think of my oldest son.
“Want to catch the “Big Bus Tour?” he asks with tour guides fanned out in his hands.
“We already have our tickets, ” I say pulling mine out of my purse as proof.
He stays next to us, like he’s part of our group.
I turn my back to him and continue my conversation in Danish with my friend.
“Where you from?” he asks listening to us speak in Danish. I’m used to that question, especially in the U.S. where people think I’m South African or Australian, and in Britain, where they think I’m American. Even I’m confused about my own roots. I tell him.
“I’m a student from Hungary,” he says. “I study here.”
Now I’m feeling sorry for him, wondering if he makes enough money to pay his student bills. Then I remember that Hungary has been part of the (EU)European Union since 2004 and must have some sort of reciprocal study program. He probably doesn’t have the same astronomical university fees my son had for out-of-state tuition.
I start having “motherly” feelings towards this poor student. Then he says, “I like older women. They smell so good. We could have a good time.”
My throat feels all scratchy and I start to cough. Who is this young Hungarian? Do we look like Cougars?My Danish friend blabbers something I cannot repeat.
“I have a son your age,” I say, and run towards the bus.
I cannot imagine something similar happening in my neighborhood. Are Cougars taking over the world?
The next day, on my way to South Kensington tube station, I passed Christie’s Auction and never realized it was open to the public for viewing and photography.
Auctions take place on Tuesday mornings and viewing of items is from Saturday-Monday.
I wanted to share this video before I move on to southern France.
Had to laugh! A cougar is such an American expression – certainly not at all British. But maybe in Hungary?…
@LadyFi
Strangely enough, I first heard the expression in France when I explained my story to my dad's wife. Apparently they use it over there, although it started in the U.S., I'm sure. Perhaps someone else knows the answer.
Not your typical conversation on a bus. But then, you meet all kinds of strange people when you travel.
LOL! Isn't it cute a boy from Hungary wanted to have fun with you!? 🙂
I'm heading to Finland tonight for couple of weeks – I have my 'one year after' check up. Imagine how time flies!
Have a great day!
BLOGitse
Too funny! So an older attractive woman without a male companion is fair game even in Europe. I think the term cougar started in the US but I'm not a linguist so don't know for sure.
My wife is older than I am by THREE WEEKS, but that does not stop me from playing the Cougar card which I do mercilessly during that tiny window.
Can't wait to see the videos from Southern France !!!!
That is a great "cougar" story, Sonia, and what a great cougar you are, running for the bus. haha. I guess I had assumed the term originated in America, but I really have no idea. I will be interested to hear what others have to say.
Cool! It looks you had a great fun!
Hi Sonia, or rather Bonjour!
What a funny post, but hey, we "older" women should accept our beauty.
Glad you dropped by to say hello. How interesting that you visit France often. I'd love to meet you if you are ever here. I doubt I'll be getting to Belize in the near future.
This sort of thing has been happening to me a lot in the last couple of years and, like you, I find it a bit disconcerting. I can never figure out what these young men want until they say something like that. I think Cougar chasing is becoming a bit of coup counting for some of these guys. Glad you're enjoying your trip!
Sonia, I'm surprised you weren't pinched black and blue!
You definitely rank as a real looker, take it from my husband..
Cougar? You're too classy… I think older men are highly attractive–the young ones are still learning to be real men.
From a well-seasoned friend,
Nancy in Naples FL
Is your memoir ready yet to submit? I just found you through lakeviewer who like you is writing a memoir. I'm enjoying it, my favorite genre. I'm writing one too, which is why I wanted to find other such authors. (I also have an autobiographical novel due to be released this summer; it's in editing right now.) I'm glad I found you're. I immensely enjoyed reading this well-written scene. And I loved the pictures. I also read with great interest the About Me under your picture. What a wonderful family you and your husband have worked very hard to create. I know the struggle and heartaches of wayward children, but your story has a most happy ending!! I like your blog, and have signed in as a follower.
Flattering, but kind of creepy too.
The strangest things happen when we travel.
Oh yuck? I would have had to slap the kid upside the head….!
@Lakeviewer
Very true.
@BLOGitse
Yes, I remember when you were there like it was yesterday.
@she's cookin'
I'm sure the term started in the U.S.
@Robert the Skeptic
I'm 11 days younger than my husband and he also has a joke.
@Jeanie
I didn't think of the running part until you mentioned it.
@Phivos
I did have fun being with my Danish friend.
@Dedene
I'm back in California. Yes, I shall be back in France soon as my father wants me to come over more often, and so do I.
@SimplyForites
I didn't realize this as it hasn't happened to me before.
@GulfGal
Being pinched I assume happens in Italy more than anywhere else.
@AnnBest
I agree that memoir is also my favorite genre. I always pick those book up to read. I enjoyed your post and hope you contacted my friend at 100 memoirs.
@Brenda
You are right. It was rather strange and unexpected for both my friend and myself.
@Entre Nous
I ran away instead.
Hi Sonia! Had to laugh at your cougar story! What's your perfume? 😉
Well, you're very attractive, it's true, "in your body and your thought" (to borrow a line from Leonard Cohen).
I'm with Brenda: "Flattering, but kind of creepy too."
Hope the rest of the bus trip went well.
@Miss Footloose
I like Chance "Eau tendre" by Chanel. And if you translate, it means "Tender water" by Chance. How funny is that?
@Rob-Bear
I did like the sightseeing bus trip but the weather was so cold "upstairs" I got a real bad sore throat.
Hello – it's been a while since I last visited, and it seems you're over this way a bit…hope you're having a good time. Loved the story – liked your response too. I'm filing it in case anything like that happens to me!
You should be flattered! You obviously still have it!
What an interesting life you lead. Thanks for stopping by my blog!