Wednesday, July 4, 2018 5:15 AM

My coffee should be ready in a minute, I've given my name as "Yosef," since baristas can't seem to handle "Joe." The "J" sound is rare in Hebrew, only heard in loan words. The vowel, sliding from "o" to "u," completely throws them. I've seen them write down "Charlie," "Shu," and worse. On the other hand, some of the menu still baffles me. The image of one pastry looks tempting, but I don't know its name. It's written as the word for "baked item" plus the consonants "prg". Is it "parg"? "prag"? "pereg"? As frustrated as I am, I've learned to sympathize with those who struggle with English and its far more cryptic spelling. The barista calls my name as "Yosef" and hands me my cappuccino and the date pastry that I had recognized on the menu. I sit at a table and write while waiting for a friend.