My server in the Turner Cafe was a black girl with a winning smile and hair wrapped in a multicoloured scarf.
She delivered a cracking stew of a breakfast full of slivers of bacon, chorizo, mushrooms and new potatoes topped with a runny egg and asked if I was on holiday or business in Margate
I told her I was going to a funeral and she patted my shoulder.
It's rare for strangers to touch strangers,I thought, but I didn't mind.
In fact I ordered more toast and another flat white.
The Turner is quiet,with just me , three hipsters and some staff in the cafe. Ive only noticed a couple of modern parents with massive baby strollers walk through the main doors so I will have most of the exhibits to myself.
The Turner sky outside is grey and unfortunately dominated by an equally dull and untidy block of flats.
But it's warm.
Thinking of you today - and Chris. Never easy. Glad you enjoyed breakfast.
ReplyDeleteMary Jenkins
The kindness of strangers is sometimes more touching than the compassionate indifference of the familiar.
ReplyDeleteXoXo
That's four hipsters then! Flat white from a black server? Sounds vaguely racist.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it does [sound vaguely racist]. Though I am sure John isn't.
DeleteAs someone who doesn't drink coffee, so clearly lost in the desert, what I'd like to know what all this pretentious New Coffee Speak is about. "FLAT WHITE"? I take it that's coffee with milk then. What's a double espresso these days? An "Extra Italian"?
U
Oh for gods sake grow up
DeleteTotally agree John !
DeleteRacist!! Bloody hell would he be called that if he said 'a lovely ginger haired girl with freckles' ... I doubt it. By saying 'a black girl with a winning smile' it paints a picture of a beautiful flash of white teeth illuminating her face ... nothing more nothing less.
DeleteI'm not one for pretentious talk so I'll just drop a TWAT right here.
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Delete"Flat White" started in Australia. It is (or should be) milk that is "thickened" with steam, and coffee. No froth (that's a cappuccinno) and not a latte (more of a milky coffee).
DeleteThinking of you today John.x
ReplyDeleteHope today not too much of an ordeal.Just a thought would you have said my server was a white girl?
ReplyDeleteWishing you well. Hope it wasn’t too difficult and... for anyone involved. A Turner exhibit in NYC was the first special art exhibit I ever saw. My mother’s loved Turner and as a result helped me develop an appreciation.
ReplyDeleteThat breakfast will see you through the day. Hope it goes well. Another 'breakfast' before you leave would get you home again. I might even try making something just like it. Meals in one pot are often the best kind -especially if you have to wash up!
ReplyDeletei wish you all the best today!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a hearty breakfast! It has whetted my appetite. I hope the funeral went/goes OK.
ReplyDeleteWell done that waitress; a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteA moment of compassion and the kindness of strangers.
ReplyDeleteThe touch of an understanding stranger can mean so much, and can convey more than words ever could.
ReplyDeleteSending all good thoughts today.
ReplyDeleteYou and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers today as you gather to say good-bye to such a nice man.
ReplyDeleteHow nice that your server gave you a pat of sympathy.
Hugs
It's odd how being touched by some people feels just right while some others' touches feel so very wrong. Good touch is a fine thing.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and Chris today.
ReplyDeleteparsnip xx
I was just there! Enjoy the Seaside photography exhibit!
ReplyDeleteIt was very good. I noted some welsh photos
DeleteI have no doubt you smiled at her too - it takes two to make a connection you know.
ReplyDeleteHope the rest of the day goes as well xx
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and Chris and his family today. XXXX
ReplyDeleteI'm glad some folks still offer that personal touch of comfort without worrying about whether it's "correct" or not. Some people are just very good at that.
ReplyDeleteWe would hug you if we could. Hope it went well.
ReplyDelete