Note: I had other food stuff to write beforehand but this post is waay more interesting. I’ll rewind later on this week, if I have the chance.
Yesterday was arguably the best day I’ve ever had in a while, besides my birthday lunch/celebration. What made it memorable is the fact that since I’m going to face finals next week(!) and my indecisive phase of life contemplating about my career. I don’t know if I want to do paralegal work or flirt with the idea of immersing myself to the food writing/photography world. The latter is quite tempting to go for but since I’m considered a newbie to food writing (and I’m just a blogger, for goodness sake), my chances are almost zilch. I’m freakin’ screwed…. As I’ve rambled a few seconds ago, my nerves are strained, stress is high, and I’m still sick. This day is and was my only highlight from any other day that has passed or coming upon my pending days of doom. Doom.
Anyways, going back to the happier times of yesterday. I got a call from Ariel while I was in my school campus taking care of last minute stuff near 1 PM. Here’s the general idea of our conversation:
Ariel: “Hey. What’s up? Are you in the city by any chance?”
Me: “Uh…nothing much. I’m in the Upper West Side. Why?”
Ariel: “Well, I’m in the city since I was locked out by [something, I don't recall since he's rambling quite fast]. I’m in the East Village right now and I want to check out this coffee shop that New York Magazine just written about…”
Me: “Oh, you mean Abraço. Yeah, I’ve been there before [Note to you people, I've forgotten to write about it but I've posted photos of that visit on my Flickr page back on October 30th.]
Ariel: “You wanna go there again?”
Me: “Yeah. Sure.”
Ariel: “When will I meet you?”
Me: [looking at my watch] “Um…I’ll meet you at 1:30.”
Ariel: “Cool.”
Me: “Alright. See you then.”
After taking care of my school stuff, I hauled my ass downtown to the East Village. Once I arrived there, Abraço‘s packed with too many bodies, I mean people. I called Ariel since I don’t see him outside the place nor inside but he’s not picking up. Eventually, a few people left that place and I managed to squeeze myself into this tiny coffee bar with at least ten other people, since I don’t want to escalate my cold to pneumonia.
Eventually I saw Ariel appeared outside and called me which, I picked up and he asked me, “Where are you?” I just reached for the door and opened it for him, giving him my answer. Anyways, I never felt so claustrophobic before. I mean, I’ve ridden in packed subway cars where you’re standing elbow-to-elbow with everyone, but that’s typical; in a coffee shop it’s almost unforeseen for me. Some, like Ariel, would say this is cozy but I like to have some space.
Too. Many. People.
