Two Women of a Certain Age
04/20/07 07:35 AM Filed in: Mexico
San Miguel seems to have more than its share of old people. Lots of folks come here to retire, while young adults move away in search of employment.
The gringa pictured on the right apparently doesn't have to work anymore. Her untroubled face framed by her smart hat and designer sunglasses tells us as much. Nor is she a slave to fashion; with maturity such things pale in importance. The baggy pants, the tacky Nike swoosh sweatshirt coupled with the nice leather bag and the rock on her left ring finger say, "I don't have to impress anyone anymore."
Naturally things are different for the Mexicana. Her apron tells us she still works, either as a housekeeper or a cook for someone like our gringa, or as a homemaker for her own gamily. No retirement for her. No IRA, no social security, no pension. Her rebozo appears to me to be more stylish than the Norteamericano's hat, but then, I am a fashion cretin.
I'm struck by how their characters show in their faces.
The Norteamericana seems cultured, elegant, aristocratic. Her feature look soft, a little tentative—until you notice her iron grip on the strap of her bag. Don't doubt it for a moment; she can take care of herself.
The Mexicana's face tells the story of the troubles she's seen. Her life has not been easy, but she's handled whatever came her way. She's strong, capable, determined.
Two grandmothers, two different lives, two iron constitutions. It's a sure bet they've never spoken to one another. Too bad. They probably could find a lot in common.
The gringa pictured on the right apparently doesn't have to work anymore. Her untroubled face framed by her smart hat and designer sunglasses tells us as much. Nor is she a slave to fashion; with maturity such things pale in importance. The baggy pants, the tacky Nike swoosh sweatshirt coupled with the nice leather bag and the rock on her left ring finger say, "I don't have to impress anyone anymore."
Naturally things are different for the Mexicana. Her apron tells us she still works, either as a housekeeper or a cook for someone like our gringa, or as a homemaker for her own gamily. No retirement for her. No IRA, no social security, no pension. Her rebozo appears to me to be more stylish than the Norteamericano's hat, but then, I am a fashion cretin.
I'm struck by how their characters show in their faces.
The Norteamericana seems cultured, elegant, aristocratic. Her feature look soft, a little tentative—until you notice her iron grip on the strap of her bag. Don't doubt it for a moment; she can take care of herself.
The Mexicana's face tells the story of the troubles she's seen. Her life has not been easy, but she's handled whatever came her way. She's strong, capable, determined.
Two grandmothers, two different lives, two iron constitutions. It's a sure bet they've never spoken to one another. Too bad. They probably could find a lot in common.
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