The "Faces Of Strangers: #17" Story

Restaurant Lescargot on Front Street.

It was an ordinary day.  Walking Front Street in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten trying to kill some time until we are more hungry for lunch.  Heading east along the street and as we passed the restaurant "Lescargot" a young black woman was attempting to put up the umbrellas that lines the street in front of the restaurant.  Was struggling so we crossed and Carol helped her guide the bottom of one of the umbrellas into the base.  The restaurant sits about 4 feet off the street and is decorated with beautiful hand-painted tiles, many with likenesses of snails which is what the restaurant is famous for on their menu.  The woman looked down on us and thanked Carol for helping her.  Naturally began a conversation with her so we could learn more about the restaurant and their delicacy they sell.  

Paula

I asked her her name and she responded by telling us Paula.  Told us she had been working at the restaurant for 21 years and just loves her job. Seems the owner is thinking of retiring after 42 years and Paula is hoping the restaurant will continue as it is now so she can continue working there.  Asked her if she likes snails and she told us she can eat them if necessary.  She continued telling us they're not the kind you find on the island, but they grow on grape vines in Italy.  Said they were about the size of Carol's pendant which would make them the size of a nickel.  She asked if we wanted to come in for lunch but I told her I wasn't hungry enough to eat snails.  Naturally had to laugh.  She wasn't born on the island, but on the island of Jamaica and spent the first 22 years of her life on that island.  Her smile was brilliant and her personality intriguing.  Then she took the offensive and asked where we were from.  We told her the U.S. and she responded, "Oh, I love your President.  I can't believe people don't like what he is doing."  My wife really enjoys politics and she and Paula really got going about our congress and the fact that no matter what Obama proposed, congress could find a reason not to like it. "Can't stand that John Boehner," she said.  "But, I think Hillary would make a good president if she would run."  Well, the smell was interesting coming from the restaurant, but we opted for something different for lunch.  Did enjoy our visit with Paula and told her maybe next year.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.