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Is this true?
In reply to JoHNY:
Knob????
I have rarely met either a coloured or working class person at a British crag.
Knob????
I have rarely met either a coloured or working class person at a British crag.
In reply to coinneach:
Really, everyone i meet in the mountains certainly works for living. They all seem pretty down to earth to me, maybe your talking about wall climbing ?
Really, everyone i meet in the mountains certainly works for living. They all seem pretty down to earth to me, maybe your talking about wall climbing ?
In reply to JoHNY:
I don't do walls JoHNY.........As I said I have rarely met a coloured or working class person at a British CRAG
I don't do walls JoHNY.........As I said I have rarely met a coloured or working class person at a British CRAG
In reply to coinneach: we are working class u obviously dont get out much !!!!!!!!!!!
In reply to coinneach:
Yo bro me and me home boys were tinking of cheking out the Stanage flava, use sayin the crags not to popular with the brotherz or summit? innit.
Yo bro me and me home boys were tinking of cheking out the Stanage flava, use sayin the crags not to popular with the brotherz or summit? innit.
In reply to coinneach:
However can you judge what class someone is from seeing them climb? Is it their baggy dungarees, flat cap and smoking habit? Their regional accent maybe?
I think this class thing is an anachronism anyway. I don't have one so why should anyone else?
However can you judge what class someone is from seeing them climb? Is it their baggy dungarees, flat cap and smoking habit? Their regional accent maybe?
I think this class thing is an anachronism anyway. I don't have one so why should anyone else?
In reply to coinneach:
Whether what you're saying is true or not, the real question is - who gives a flying f*ck?
Whether what you're saying is true or not, the real question is - who gives a flying f*ck?
In reply to coinneach:WORDS THAT COME TO MIND: are thinks there a cut above every one else and COINNEACH=ass hole or is that where ur head has been
In reply to coinneach:
You better believe it, all that disposible income....probably just about every UKC user fits that profile...lots of reasons for this cultural being the main reason blah blah...just look at the recent Lakes case, concerning free guided walks, they were set up to attract ethnic minorities to the park.. but only attracted tight older white middle classes..enough to alienate any minority, so now they have stopped them.....go figure.
You better believe it, all that disposible income....probably just about every UKC user fits that profile...lots of reasons for this cultural being the main reason blah blah...just look at the recent Lakes case, concerning free guided walks, they were set up to attract ethnic minorities to the park.. but only attracted tight older white middle classes..enough to alienate any minority, so now they have stopped them.....go figure.
In reply to Dru:
Why do you think this would "alientate a minority", even supposing such a being existed and had a collective conscience capable of reasoning, I'm sure it wouldn't give a damn. Similarly why do you refer to these old codgers as being "tight", if I remember correctly thay had to pay for the walk? Truly "tight" old codgers (like myself for example) wouldn't dream of paying to be taken on a walk.
Back on the subject, this question has been asked before and I can't see any reason to find it offensive to ask the question. I can't remember what the answers were though.
> ....but only attracted tight older white middle classes..enough to alienate any minority, so now they have stopped them.....go figure.
Why do you think this would "alientate a minority", even supposing such a being existed and had a collective conscience capable of reasoning, I'm sure it wouldn't give a damn. Similarly why do you refer to these old codgers as being "tight", if I remember correctly thay had to pay for the walk? Truly "tight" old codgers (like myself for example) wouldn't dream of paying to be taken on a walk.
Back on the subject, this question has been asked before and I can't see any reason to find it offensive to ask the question. I can't remember what the answers were though.
In reply to coinneach: erm dipsh1t joe brown,joe simpson, simon yates,don whillans all the sehffield collective that shared a "house" all working class lads please resurch and return leave any trolling to the experts
In reply to djviper:
Wasn't Joe Simpson's dad an army officer? Not an occupation stuffed to the gills with the working class.
Wasn't Joe Simpson's dad an army officer? Not an occupation stuffed to the gills with the working class.
In reply to coinneach:
Definition of white middle class? The frequenters of this forum. All so desperate to appear working class, and grass roots "maaan", but they are all in denial.
Definition of white middle class? The frequenters of this forum. All so desperate to appear working class, and grass roots "maaan", but they are all in denial.
In reply to coinneach:
dont you think even using the term 'middle class' is outdated circa 1920's? or do you still have a man to do your britches up in the morning and Iron your paper?
Im working class and quite pink
To be middle class nowadays you have to earn 50k+ (see other threads)
Uriel
dont you think even using the term 'middle class' is outdated circa 1920's? or do you still have a man to do your britches up in the morning and Iron your paper?
Im working class and quite pink
To be middle class nowadays you have to earn 50k+ (see other threads)
Uriel
In reply to EarlyBird: indeed but joe did slum it in a shared climbing house in shefield if memory serves
In reply to coinneach: 'my daddy's got a Porsche'
In reply to Justin: thats nothin my daddies got five :~)
In reply to cakewalk:
He was also educated at Ampleforth ,"the Catholic Eton" . Nice guy no doubt but hardly working class . But frankly , who gives a shit ?
He was also educated at Ampleforth ,"the Catholic Eton" . Nice guy no doubt but hardly working class . But frankly , who gives a shit ?
In reply to coinneach: Dunno but every time I have been to the Chew valley, there have been people there that you could shoehorn into the working class stereotype. In fact they are just the type of people you would expect to find in an industrialised area just outside oldham.
In reply to djviper:
Yes, I went to a party there once. It was a tip.
> (In reply to EarlyBird) indeed but joe did slum it in a shared climbing house in shefield if memory serves
Yes, I went to a party there once. It was a tip.
In reply to coinneach:
I'm white and middle class and I climb with my girlfriend who is japanese and middle class.
nrp
> Is this true?
I'm white and middle class and I climb with my girlfriend who is japanese and middle class.
nrp
In reply to coinneach:
When I first came on this board about three years ago,I posted
'Climbing...shades of white' which was pretty much in the same vein as your thread.
Climbing IS a white sport,That's an absolute fact.
However,with regard to it being a MC pursuit.Although the majority of climbers are middle class there are still a lot of working class climbers,from which group I would describe myself,out there climbing.
It has to be a cultural thing. After all white men can't dance !
When I first came on this board about three years ago,I posted
'Climbing...shades of white' which was pretty much in the same vein as your thread.
Climbing IS a white sport,That's an absolute fact.
However,with regard to it being a MC pursuit.Although the majority of climbers are middle class there are still a lot of working class climbers,from which group I would describe myself,out there climbing.
It has to be a cultural thing. After all white men can't dance !
In reply to Bruce Hooker: mmmmmmm senile dementia comes to mind
In reply to coinneach:
No, it's butter ollocks
Without really paying much attention (because I'm not interested) there are lots of "ethnic backgrounds" visiting the Swindon wall. As for middle class, well what the hell does that mean anyway?
> Is this true?
No, it's butter ollocks
Without really paying much attention (because I'm not interested) there are lots of "ethnic backgrounds" visiting the Swindon wall. As for middle class, well what the hell does that mean anyway?
In reply to coinneach:
Dunno about "working class", I don't know how to tell them from looks or a quick chat alone...maybe you have some special "WC antenna" that alerts you?
But I see a fair number of ethnic minority people at crags these days. More often Chinese/ South East Asian or Indian extraction than African/ Afro-Caribbean, but definitely there.
Last time I posted on a similar thread ( a year or so ago) I was able to say that the previous day I'd been at Harrison's and seen, out of maybe 100 users, 2 people of African appearance, 3 or 4 of middle Eastern/ Indian appearance and 3 or 4 of Chinese/ SE Asian appearance.
I wasn't at Harrison's yesterday, but last time I was there, a week or so ago, I saw similar proportions, and usually do when visiting Harrison's or Bowles.
Probably fewer percentage-wise at crags outside the SE, but even so on my last trip to North Wales there were a group of Chinese girls on an adjacent climb that I shared some stances with, and last time at Froggatt I was chatting to a couple of Indian lads.
I'm not disputing that ethnic minorities are under-represented in outdoor climbing, but I don't think they're anywhere near as rare as you make out.
> (In reply to JoHNY)
> I don't do walls JoHNY.........As I said I have rarely met a coloured or working class person at a British CRAG
> I don't do walls JoHNY.........As I said I have rarely met a coloured or working class person at a British CRAG
Dunno about "working class", I don't know how to tell them from looks or a quick chat alone...maybe you have some special "WC antenna" that alerts you?
But I see a fair number of ethnic minority people at crags these days. More often Chinese/ South East Asian or Indian extraction than African/ Afro-Caribbean, but definitely there.
Last time I posted on a similar thread ( a year or so ago) I was able to say that the previous day I'd been at Harrison's and seen, out of maybe 100 users, 2 people of African appearance, 3 or 4 of middle Eastern/ Indian appearance and 3 or 4 of Chinese/ SE Asian appearance.
I wasn't at Harrison's yesterday, but last time I was there, a week or so ago, I saw similar proportions, and usually do when visiting Harrison's or Bowles.
Probably fewer percentage-wise at crags outside the SE, but even so on my last trip to North Wales there were a group of Chinese girls on an adjacent climb that I shared some stances with, and last time at Froggatt I was chatting to a couple of Indian lads.
I'm not disputing that ethnic minorities are under-represented in outdoor climbing, but I don't think they're anywhere near as rare as you make out.
In reply to Rob Naylor:
If , as you say , 10 out of 100 users you saw at Harrisons were from minorities wouldn't that almost exactly represent the proporion of ethnic minorities to the total population ? (the total not the breakdown).
Maybe Terry Tullis could stand at the car park policing entry on the basis of colour and bussing in youth groups from Brixton if the quotas were falling short ?
If , as you say , 10 out of 100 users you saw at Harrisons were from minorities wouldn't that almost exactly represent the proporion of ethnic minorities to the total population ? (the total not the breakdown).
Maybe Terry Tullis could stand at the car park policing entry on the basis of colour and bussing in youth groups from Brixton if the quotas were falling short ?
In reply to Postmanpat: its actulay slightly more than the national % which is just under 9%
In reply to coinneach: Does this mean you think you are middle class?
In reply to djviper: top trolling. How's Dalkey you fecker?
In reply to coinneach:
Having skim read this thread, all I can say is that class is a British disease! Nowhere else, in Europe @ least, have I come across this type of attitude. It smacks of an old Empirical(sp?)order & should be derided @ every available opportunity. Ffs!......, people work OR they don`t?
I know people on benefits who have an income in excess of £30k.
What class are they?
I know people who work in London who earn £100k+.
What class are they?
I know people who work in Chesterfield,where I live,who earn £15k.
What class are they?
> Is this true?
Having skim read this thread, all I can say is that class is a British disease! Nowhere else, in Europe @ least, have I come across this type of attitude. It smacks of an old Empirical(sp?)order & should be derided @ every available opportunity. Ffs!......, people work OR they don`t?
I know people on benefits who have an income in excess of £30k.
What class are they?
I know people who work in London who earn £100k+.
What class are they?
I know people who work in Chesterfield,where I live,who earn £15k.
What class are they?
In reply to sloper: thanks sweatness and hows you this morning
In reply to coinneach:
This topic has been done many times before.
I personally know several people of black or asian origin who climb.
In any case, why does it matter?
This topic has been done many times before.
I personally know several people of black or asian origin who climb.
In any case, why does it matter?
In reply to AliceW: i know what you mean at the end of the day it doesnt matter what class colour or creed
In reply to coinneach:
How can this be true? most climbers I know are black and blue after a day at the crag
> (In reply to JoHNY)
>
> Knob????
>
> I have rarely met either a coloured or working class person at a British crag.
>
> Knob????
>
> I have rarely met either a coloured or working class person at a British crag.
How can this be true? most climbers I know are black and blue after a day at the crag
In reply to Justin:
I've got a Porsche. No opinion to share but defo, I own a Porsche and I'd like to brag
I've got a Porsche. No opinion to share but defo, I own a Porsche and I'd like to brag
In reply to djviper:
It would only matter if there were some people who wanted to climb but there was some social impediment preventing them. In my opinion the most obvious socially impeded group is the under 18's because of over-protective attitudes and issues to do with legal liability.
> (In reply to AliceW) i know what you mean at the end of the day it doesnt matter what class colour or creed
It would only matter if there were some people who wanted to climb but there was some social impediment preventing them. In my opinion the most obvious socially impeded group is the under 18's because of over-protective attitudes and issues to do with legal liability.
In reply to Rob Naylor et al:
I'm Chinese looking (if you want to assign me an ethnic origin). I don't see what race has to do with climbing, but for the record I think the reason why there are fewer 'ethnic minorities' (and please don't use the term 'coloureds') is because there are fewer non-white people in Britain than white people! I'm sure if you went to Thailand then you'd probably find different proportions of ethnicities in climbers.
Then again, we Chinese are fairly short, and perhaps that has something to do with it...
PS I think I might count as middle class. I went to boarding school, and I don't think that 50k is 'rich'...
I'm Chinese looking (if you want to assign me an ethnic origin). I don't see what race has to do with climbing, but for the record I think the reason why there are fewer 'ethnic minorities' (and please don't use the term 'coloureds') is because there are fewer non-white people in Britain than white people! I'm sure if you went to Thailand then you'd probably find different proportions of ethnicities in climbers.
Then again, we Chinese are fairly short, and perhaps that has something to do with it...
PS I think I might count as middle class. I went to boarding school, and I don't think that 50k is 'rich'...
In reply to Alison Stockwell:
I think this is the main point really... And I'm positive there are impediments. Think of all the 'socially excluded groups' that get to go on taster courses or outward-bound weekends, and absolutely love it, but then what happens?
A few, whos faces fit may get encouraged and continue.
I wonder if its something to do with the competitive / individualistic nature of the sport, that we're more focused on enjoying ourselves than putting others at ease?
I think this is the main point really... And I'm positive there are impediments. Think of all the 'socially excluded groups' that get to go on taster courses or outward-bound weekends, and absolutely love it, but then what happens?
A few, whos faces fit may get encouraged and continue.
I wonder if its something to do with the competitive / individualistic nature of the sport, that we're more focused on enjoying ourselves than putting others at ease?
In reply to elinor:
I don't think so. Ethnic minorities are under-represented in hillwalking too, and hillwalking is generally non-competitive.
The outdoor training group I belong to used to be sponsored by Brent council, whose policy was to be inclusive, and we were strongly encouraged to try and appeal to ethnic minorities. Our leader tried very hard to engage the interest of local youth groups without a lot of success. A few did come along but not as many as anyone would have liked. In the end it's up to people to do what they want, and if you target minority groups too much, there's the fear that they will feel uncomfortable or patronised.
>
> I wonder if its something to do with the competitive / individualistic nature of the sport, that we're more focused on enjoying ourselves than putting others at ease?
> I wonder if its something to do with the competitive / individualistic nature of the sport, that we're more focused on enjoying ourselves than putting others at ease?
I don't think so. Ethnic minorities are under-represented in hillwalking too, and hillwalking is generally non-competitive.
The outdoor training group I belong to used to be sponsored by Brent council, whose policy was to be inclusive, and we were strongly encouraged to try and appeal to ethnic minorities. Our leader tried very hard to engage the interest of local youth groups without a lot of success. A few did come along but not as many as anyone would have liked. In the end it's up to people to do what they want, and if you target minority groups too much, there's the fear that they will feel uncomfortable or patronised.
In reply to Alison Stockwell: I think Alison haas a valid point, i personally dont give a FU*K what color or class you are from but i feel there is no need to actively encourage ethnic minorities into any activity. Most people will make a choice as to which activity/sport they wish to do. Actively encourage people only leads to a greater sterotyping and detracts from the main focus of the activity for all involved.
Regarding class, well class is absolute Sh*t these days, it means nothing, it cant be defined and certainly cant be used to sterotype anyone
Regarding class, well class is absolute Sh*t these days, it means nothing, it cant be defined and certainly cant be used to sterotype anyone
In reply to Drew:
> I've got a Porsche. No opinion to share but defo, I own a Porsche and I'd like to brag
>
> I'v got a porch. It doesnt go very fast but its brilliant at keeping the rain off.
>
> I'v got a porch. It doesnt go very fast but its brilliant at keeping the rain off.
In reply to Psychopathic_Barbie: i have a pooch barks a lot and looks mean!!
In reply to djviper:
I've got a perch: gets cross when you take it out of the fishtank and balance birds on it.
I've got a perch: gets cross when you take it out of the fishtank and balance birds on it.
In reply to Nao:
I never used the term "coloureds"...I think you're confusing me with someone else.
If you've seen previous posts of mine on this subject when the topic's come up before, you'll find that I'm firmly of the "what does race have to do with climbing?" camp.
The only reason I started noticing race at all at the crag was due to it coming up here about 3 times in as many months a year or two back. The reason I was able to come up with approximate figures from my recent trip to Harrisons was because most of those I saw are regulars there, and I can tick back in my mind and say, "yes, Ras was there, and Navin, and that tall (yes,tall!) Chinese-looking girl I've seen there a few times with her mates, and the bloke from East Grinstead who's there all the time....etc. Locally, it's not that I go around counting up, but that if I make a determined effort I can recall the presence of people who I know or at least see there a fair bit.
On "away trips", the only reason I remembered the "ethnicity" of the Chinese and the Indians was that I was actually talking to them. The crags may or may not have been crawling with other "ethnic minority" climbers, I wouldn't notice. But if I've talked to someone at a crag, I'll remember he was Indian-looking just as well as I'd remember if he was wearing an orange beanie.
Actually, you may be wrong about Thailand. The vast majority of people I've seen climbing out there have been of European appearance: that was brought to my notice by a mate who asked why all the climbers seemed to be "white". That was a few years ago now, though.
> (In reply to Rob Naylor et al)
> I'm Chinese looking (if you want to assign me an ethnic origin). I don't see what race has to do with climbing, but for the record I think the reason why there are fewer 'ethnic minorities' (and please don't use the term 'coloureds') is because there are fewer non-white people in Britain than white people! I'm sure if you went to Thailand then you'd probably find different proportions of ethnicities in climbers.
> I'm Chinese looking (if you want to assign me an ethnic origin). I don't see what race has to do with climbing, but for the record I think the reason why there are fewer 'ethnic minorities' (and please don't use the term 'coloureds') is because there are fewer non-white people in Britain than white people! I'm sure if you went to Thailand then you'd probably find different proportions of ethnicities in climbers.
I never used the term "coloureds"...I think you're confusing me with someone else.
If you've seen previous posts of mine on this subject when the topic's come up before, you'll find that I'm firmly of the "what does race have to do with climbing?" camp.
The only reason I started noticing race at all at the crag was due to it coming up here about 3 times in as many months a year or two back. The reason I was able to come up with approximate figures from my recent trip to Harrisons was because most of those I saw are regulars there, and I can tick back in my mind and say, "yes, Ras was there, and Navin, and that tall (yes,tall!) Chinese-looking girl I've seen there a few times with her mates, and the bloke from East Grinstead who's there all the time....etc. Locally, it's not that I go around counting up, but that if I make a determined effort I can recall the presence of people who I know or at least see there a fair bit.
On "away trips", the only reason I remembered the "ethnicity" of the Chinese and the Indians was that I was actually talking to them. The crags may or may not have been crawling with other "ethnic minority" climbers, I wouldn't notice. But if I've talked to someone at a crag, I'll remember he was Indian-looking just as well as I'd remember if he was wearing an orange beanie.
Actually, you may be wrong about Thailand. The vast majority of people I've seen climbing out there have been of European appearance: that was brought to my notice by a mate who asked why all the climbers seemed to be "white". That was a few years ago now, though.
In reply to coinneach:
I`d have to agree with some of the other posters and wonder why would anyone care about this.
F*ck social inclusion policies, let people make their own minds up about how they want to spend their time.
I`d have to agree with some of the other posters and wonder why would anyone care about this.
F*ck social inclusion policies, let people make their own minds up about how they want to spend their time.
In reply to Rob Naylor:
Rob - I knew you didn't refer to 'coloureds' - it was the OP. (I did put reply to Rob Naylor 'et al' but maybe that wasn't clear enough.) I heartily agree with most of your posts and I know you're not the type of person to say that.
Rob - I knew you didn't refer to 'coloureds' - it was the OP. (I did put reply to Rob Naylor 'et al' but maybe that wasn't clear enough.) I heartily agree with most of your posts and I know you're not the type of person to say that.
In reply to Nao:
Tricky isn't it? I'd never dream of referring to someone as 'Chinese-looking', for instance, but then coloured (sic) friends in Cape Town would piss themselves as we tied ourselves in politically correct knots trying to avoid any reference to their colour!
One (very well-known) black (as he prefers to be known) friend suggested that we just settle on darkies and stop worrying about it!
Tricky isn't it? I'd never dream of referring to someone as 'Chinese-looking', for instance, but then coloured (sic) friends in Cape Town would piss themselves as we tied ourselves in politically correct knots trying to avoid any reference to their colour!
One (very well-known) black (as he prefers to be known) friend suggested that we just settle on darkies and stop worrying about it!
In reply to Dave Garnett:
I say Chinese looking because I look Chinese. However I'm not from China - I was born in Taiwan, which is country and ideology-wise quite a lot different from China. Having grown up looking this way, I find it easier to say Chinese or Chinese looking than Taiwanese, because ethnicity-wise I'd be classed as Chinese (on the forms they never subdivide by Korean/Thai/Japanese etc), and plus people always get Taiwan confused with Thai/Thailand and I can't be bothered to keep explaining. However I think it is kind of a disservice to go around referring to myself as Chinese, when I'm not.
As for 'coloureds', lots of people would find that very offensive. I guess it's all down to your relationship with the person. The bloke and I might joke about it, but I would take a dim view of anyone who started referring to me as 'chinky' or 'nip' or 'coolie' etc, just as others wouldn't like 'paki' or 'nigger' or 'spic'. We do laugh at political correctness but I reckon it's probably better to be too politically correct than offensive.
I say Chinese looking because I look Chinese. However I'm not from China - I was born in Taiwan, which is country and ideology-wise quite a lot different from China. Having grown up looking this way, I find it easier to say Chinese or Chinese looking than Taiwanese, because ethnicity-wise I'd be classed as Chinese (on the forms they never subdivide by Korean/Thai/Japanese etc), and plus people always get Taiwan confused with Thai/Thailand and I can't be bothered to keep explaining. However I think it is kind of a disservice to go around referring to myself as Chinese, when I'm not.
As for 'coloureds', lots of people would find that very offensive. I guess it's all down to your relationship with the person. The bloke and I might joke about it, but I would take a dim view of anyone who started referring to me as 'chinky' or 'nip' or 'coolie' etc, just as others wouldn't like 'paki' or 'nigger' or 'spic'. We do laugh at political correctness but I reckon it's probably better to be too politically correct than offensive.
In reply to coinneach:
Guessing you're in scotland? I don't think I knew of any non-white climbers when i lived in the lakes. Know a few now I live in Coventry though.
Guessing you're in scotland? I don't think I knew of any non-white climbers when i lived in the lakes. Know a few now I live in Coventry though.
In reply to Psychopathic_Barbie:
my porsche does go very fast but it doesn't keep the rain off. I can't help thinking there is something wrong here but how many cars do you know with a swimming pool in the back?
<slosh>
my porsche does go very fast but it doesn't keep the rain off. I can't help thinking there is something wrong here but how many cars do you know with a swimming pool in the back?
<slosh>
In reply to brothersoulshine:
Maybe we need to. Look what happened to non-inclusive NT guided walks.
We might be banned for ever unless we bring a working class/minority ethnic along with us!!
> (In reply to coinneach)
>
> Whether what you're saying is true or not, the real question is - who gives a flying f*ck?
>
> Whether what you're saying is true or not, the real question is - who gives a flying f*ck?
Maybe we need to. Look what happened to non-inclusive NT guided walks.
We might be banned for ever unless we bring a working class/minority ethnic along with us!!
In reply to biscuit:
Always keep a flat cap and a packet of Woodbine in your sack .Talk about the mill a lot . Usually fools them .
Always keep a flat cap and a packet of Woodbine in your sack .Talk about the mill a lot . Usually fools them .
In reply to Dave Garnett:
Reminds me of a Sri Lankan friend of mine (who will remain nameless).
I took him walking in North Wales on a particuarly miserable Febuary day a few years ago. After ambling up the Pyg Track I felt that we didn't have quite the right kit (we were just sharing a small rucksack with a few bits and bobs in it, that he was carrying) to cope with the compated snow on Snowdon and decided to meander down the Miners Track and called it a day. On the way down my friend, in his London accent, just came out with "This really is a white boys sport isn't it Tom?" I was a bit shocked and amused, and started denying it and telling him that everyone goes to the hills and walks/climbs etc... He didn't believe me, and so we continued down the mountain having this discussion.
As we rounded a corner we came across two bus loads of Rotarians struggling up the hill, absolutely every one of them, to a man stared at my friend as we walked past. I was really really pissed off with them, but my friend just shrugged it off. As the last stragglers past us and stared at him, he looked directly at them, inclined his head to towards me and said:
"It's okay mate, I'm his sherpa"
Aside from falling about laughing he had rather proved his point. Luckily as we walked away giggling we bumped straight into an asian family (can I say that?) also walking up Snowdon, so that shut him up.
Reminds me of a Sri Lankan friend of mine (who will remain nameless).
I took him walking in North Wales on a particuarly miserable Febuary day a few years ago. After ambling up the Pyg Track I felt that we didn't have quite the right kit (we were just sharing a small rucksack with a few bits and bobs in it, that he was carrying) to cope with the compated snow on Snowdon and decided to meander down the Miners Track and called it a day. On the way down my friend, in his London accent, just came out with "This really is a white boys sport isn't it Tom?" I was a bit shocked and amused, and started denying it and telling him that everyone goes to the hills and walks/climbs etc... He didn't believe me, and so we continued down the mountain having this discussion.
As we rounded a corner we came across two bus loads of Rotarians struggling up the hill, absolutely every one of them, to a man stared at my friend as we walked past. I was really really pissed off with them, but my friend just shrugged it off. As the last stragglers past us and stared at him, he looked directly at them, inclined his head to towards me and said:
"It's okay mate, I'm his sherpa"
Aside from falling about laughing he had rather proved his point. Luckily as we walked away giggling we bumped straight into an asian family (can I say that?) also walking up Snowdon, so that shut him up.
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