It’s 7 a.m. as I walk from west to east after running two miles, cutting across the park to sprint the rest of the way home.
I see something very green up ahead moving at a steady pace.
Imagine a tree taking a walk.
As I get closer, it’s a massive man in lime green bike shorts with a matching tight top, featuring coco-brown muscles, preening in the morning air.
I smile as I sidle up. “What a great outfit, it’s so cheerful.”
He smiles in return, showing teeth the size of Chiclets with dimples to match, accessorizing a very friendly face I find out, hails from Ghana.
He’s here on holiday and loves New York, taking in all the sights. Yesterday he saw the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, today Brooklyn Bridge and the 9/11 Museum. How great, I think, wanting to pay his respects, making me embrace him like a visiting cousin.
“I know,” I say, “why don’t I take your picture for the folks back home?”
“No, no,” he answers, shyly waving me off.
“Why not. You look so wonderful. You can email, or Instagram it, showing what a good time you’re having.”
He grins wider, Chiclets gleaming, before handing me his phone.
Acting like a sweaty Annie Leibowitz, I take a series that easily could be an ad for fitness or travel, since he’s a natural in front of the camera.
Hubert, after viewing them says, “I look veddy sed-e-us…pa-haps, take anotha’ if you please?”
“Ok,” I say, “but this time Hubert, say cheese.” 
🙂
SB
Susannah, how many others would run right past Hubert without a backward glance? Meeting and chatting with you will be one of his New York memories.
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He’ll say, I met this nut who insisted on taking my picture. 🙂
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And he would be right! 🙂
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I see. Well, remind me if I run into you, not to take your picture.
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We can have a coffee at Starbucks instead!
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🙂
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Other nations don’t refer to us as ‘those crazy Americans’ for nothing. I’m sure your memory will always bring a warm smile to him.
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Let’s hope so.
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You are a breath of fresh air to tourists and all others.
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You’re kind to say that Anne. Thanks
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I was paralyzed after “lime green bike shorts.” What level of confidence do you have to be in order to wear those gems outdoors?
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He looked quite dashing. It was as though he was in color while me, in my black and grays, black and white. He was a Magazine cover.
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Hahahaha … I get it since I also workout in the grim reaper line of spandex.
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The miracle fabric…:)
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I am a very cheerful person, however, I don’t smile well on command. i understand the “cheese” part.
Scott
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That was nice of you. You probably see people from all over the world there. We have a lot of students from West Africa, especially Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon.
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He was very happy after protesting so much. He wasn’t the type to ask to have his photo taken. Some tourists do. I’m always saying cheese for someone. 🙂
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