Greek Potatoes.

Date: 1/7/2017

Huw and some other friends were preparing to go on the radio to debate a bus strike in Scotland with conservative journalists. We were saying, 'surely the Olympics demonstrate the success of the state transport services (strengthened by unions?). I was pleased to notice I had all the same answers as Huw, though he used some technical words to argue which I wasn't familiar with. Walking with the others, we passed a big foreign man. He had a Ford Fiestia and a lot to do for his family. In the boot of his car was a big sack of lumpy objects. I asked if it was coal for a stove; he laughed and said they were potatoes. I said, let me give you my number and when you need help, I'll come and help you. I felt this was an excessive offer, and my friends walked off. He took out his phone, an old simple mobile. I typed my number in, to drop call my mobile. He said, if my mother calls her, tell her you are English - he was delighted at the surprise this would give her. But my number wouldn't save. I felt relief. He asked if I'd ever been to a Greek Orthodox church service; I said no. Once, he said, everyone needed the Greek church. Either he or I was sweating.