The Melting Pot of Tea Time
BY DON DOUCETTE
We eavesdropped a conversation yesterday during our usual Seven Stars tea time.
A woman and man conversed in a mix of English and a foreign tongue – his mostly in English, she otherwise, but the meaning of the conversation carried on. Clearly, both spoke both languages and both understood the other simultaneously in each tongue.
A reminder of the French and English mix of similar daily conversations in our homes during our younger years.
He left the table for a few moments to make a business phone call.
In the void, I bravely asked what foreign language she was speaking.
“It’s Arabic,” she casually replied.
Now, I feel on shaky ground with all the conflict in that part of the world, how does this new-found conversation continue?
I asked her what part of the Arab world hers was, and the conversation easily continued – I getting a sense that she was open to my brave curiosities.
“Originally from northeast Syria,” she calmly said.
Now, we both are aware of the existing natural, cultural and religious calamities afflicting that part of the world, she from the heart of that conflict zone in northeast Syria.
And, hints of the conversation suggest an Armenian connection and hints of past genocides possibly close to her.
Added to the mix, she is a practicing Eastern Orthodox believer of Jesus Christ.
That she is so pleased to be here in America teaching fashion design and feeling secure.
He and she periodically meet socially during his lunch hour – he a local professional having to return to work.
They are sister-in-law and brother-in-law celebrating their mutual awayness from a confusing and precarious portion of the world.
In the end, we all spoke the same language and fully understood each the other.
And discovered during the process that the beauty of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse locally as another common bond.
Just basic tea time in the neighborhood – justly so.
Don Doucette
Ten Mile River Rambles