greek pride

went to roosevelt island with jpan on sunday to go to her future mother-in-law's (FMIL) house for lunch. while we were waiting for the bus to come, an older greek gentleman (OGG) came up to us and asked if we were american.

V: yep

OGG: where were you born?

V: virginia.

OGG: ahh! that's where all the virgins are. it's a beautiful state, i've been there before.

V: (taking a breath, remembering to be patient, and with a fake smile) the state was named after the virgin queen elizabeth.

OGG: yes. that's where all the virgins are. . and what about you (leaning towards FMIL)?

FMIL: well it's a long story. my parents are chinese but i was born in panama.

OGG: so you are chinese.

FMIL: yes, but also panamanian by birth.

the rest of the conversation made me feel like i was in a scene from my big fat greek wedding.

OGG: i'm from greece. do you know any greek words?

FMIL: (pauses thoughtfully). . n-no. . i don't.

OGG: democracy.

FMIL: (nodding respectfully) ahh. . so that's a greek word.

OGG: philosophy. another greek word. so many words have foundation in greek.

then OGG continues to rattle off some more words and launches into a rant about war and how the greek shot down german parachuters but that greeks don't get any respect.

OGG: the olympics originated from the greeks. do you know how long ago that started? 776 BC!!! before christ!

FMIL: (playfully) see, that's why i don't know. that's before i was born.

jpan and i exchanged glances and noted that our bus had arrived. since it comes on the half hour, we started to *politely* pry ourselves from the conversation and make our way to the bus. FMIL noted that the bus ride was two dollars. i pulled out my wallet and started to pull out 2 singles.

V: (to the bus driver) so it's $2?

BD: (glancing up at me) for you? it's free. get on.

V: (surprised) thanks!

following my lead, jpan and FMIL follow me to the back of the bus without paying the fare. and that my friends, is good karma. . .