It’s All Greek to Me

“You are one hundred percent wrong, one hundred percent wrong!” said one Greek to another at the table beside us where four older men sat playing cards. The fifth man didn’t appear interested in cards but rather, wanted to discuss politics. This further provoked the speaker to proclaim, “The conversation is distracting me.” The words floated over to where Laurence and I sat eating baba gonoush with warm pita and a lamb gyro. (I reported this to Dana today when we had coffee. She replied, “It’s worth going to Port Washington just to eat there.”) We topped it off with a free piece of walnut baklava from the black-haired staff behind the counter. No waiter today.

The Greek restaurants we know are decorated with the colors of the flag and this one was no exception with its blue-painted walls, white trim, white tables and chairs. Blue represents the Aegean Sea, while white signifies the clouds and purity. (Our bedroom has sea-blue walls, white trim, and curtains, but we’re not Greek.)

Laurence and I sat beside the large windows overlooking Manhasset Bay. Afterwards, we walked by the bay and then back along Main to the train station. Long Island has its own culture. It’s near the City, but it is not the City – not the Big Apple that never sleeps. It was Monday and many of the stores were closed.

It was a 35 minute train ride from the Port Washington train station to Woodside, Queens, where we transferred to a 7 train.

Now I must add a thrilling announcement that isn’t Greek: After months of construction, the Flushing-bound 7-train is stopping at 82nd Street! This means no more long walks down Broadway for us.

Berniece

Ps Laurence gave the title and wondered if I couldn’t write a blog.