Out of the City

Sunday I found myself in a car going to Long Island. I accepted the invite, earlier that day from a former lover because of shear curiosity. In my six years of being a card carrying, serial dating, drink binging Manhattinite. I'd never actually been further into New York then Queens. Into the land of vinyl siding and Hyundai's, affectionately called Long Island. I've never seen so many small Japanese cars in my life. For some reason my fellow Manhateninians, those that can afford to drive cars, prefer Hummer's and SUV's on the jungle streets of New York. I've always assumed; just in case they're caught in the swarm of a bicycle protest, reeving up the Hummer escaping.

I casually mentioned, to a few people "This is my first trip to Long Island" They're jaws dropped and an astonished look washed over their faces.

It's also Orthodox Easter. I was raised Romanian/Greek Orthodox. So this was my first time in a long time that I've attended any sort of coincidentally religious event. Let alone a Greek event. Walking into the backyard we are greeted by a whole lamb, head attached, rotating on a mechanical spit.  There were people coming at me.  Encouraging me to eat, lots of food. In the kitchen little old ladies prepared a Ricotta chess pizza.

I'm starting to feel out of my element, there isn't a vodka soda or Cosmo in sight. I also couldn't be crotchety, which is my natural default state, when I'm bemused.

On my way back to the city,  I pondered the experience; one I hope to repeat in another six years or so. Next time with a car service, or maybe a driver that I can call at a moments notice to come to my rescue.

Comments

[Jess]

I actually don't see that many small cars on the Island. It's mostly SUVs.

[Maria]

Good time frame. You'll be fine if you leave six years between these types of trips. :)

[Rod]

It's all SUVs in Manhattan. When I get another car it will be a SUBURBAN. LOL!

But here's the big question: where did you go? That hot stripper bar in Hempstead? :0