The favourite? To be seen….and tasted….

The puffy, light grey clouds decided to gloom the day by covering or blocking whatever direct sunlight we had at about midday. Yes, It looked like it was going to rain. The questions were (more than 1 question) should I or should I not? I asked these questions in quick succession. Should I go for my 10km walk? The weather forecast notification on my phone warned of heavy rains in the afternoon.

I decided to hit the road (not literally) (1) As I was into the second kilometer of my 10km walk, it started to drizzle quite heavily. Got home, grabbed the umbrella and continued my walk. I was determined to complete the distance. I did.

Freshened up. Then, headed to meet my cousin, Chris; for a cuppa of hot americano at Jings Specialty Coffee, our neighbourhood, upstairs cafe. Jings Specialty Coffee cafe is tucked away upstairs on the first floor, above New Apollos (nothing to do with the one which landed on the moon😂). Eugene, the very young co-owner; is quite the entrepreneur. He has several enterprises and more to come. He is soft spoken, gentle, always smiling. And humble, too.

Coming back to the cuppa of coffee. It just dawned on me that all these cafes are serving their hot beverages in tea cups and saucers. Now, when I think back to the time I had coffee in Perugia, Italy at a very tiny cafe: they served coffee in cups and saucers. I am so used to having a mug of coffee near me at work, or anywhere. It gives that air of casualness. Cups and saucers seem prim and proper, like you’ve always got to be at your best behaviour at all times. Like somebody’s watching you.🤔

Picked Jeannie, my wife; up from work. Then, headed to Laura’s office. Laura is our daughter. We had to wait for Laura as she had an appointment at the Pavilion, the new one. So, Jeannie and I did some window-shopping, very little, actually. We looked for a coffee joint and found Starbucks. They seem to be everywhere.

Same thing as in the U.S. (of America, just in case you had other ideas😏) – they are all over the place. Their capsulated drinks, packs of coffee beans and powders can be found at popular grocers and stores. They have become brand commercial first, then coffee commercial. You want to be known and seen there.

Then, when you are at one of these big shopping centres, you think coffee, and walla; a Starbucks “suddenly” appears in front of you. The experience at Starbucks are no longer the same as it was many years back. For example, the bright and happy greetings is no longer there. I think that was one of the main differentiating points when compared to their competitors. However, their appeal to yuppies (remember that word that described the young, urban executives with everything flashy?) and college students is still very high. Starbucks provides the right setting and environment to draw this group of people.

Laura was soon done with her appointment and we headed to the “I Love You Yau Char Kway” restaurant for dinner. It has been a long time since we last had this type of food. Laura and Jeannie wanted porridge. It looked yummy as they dipped pieces of the yeow char kway in the porridge, then ate them. I had the butterfly style, and a couple of other types of the yeow char kway. We had a large glass of hot soya bean drink, shared between Jeannie and me. Laura had her Starbucks iced coffee drink with her. Dinner was good. And the staff, were friendly. If ever you are in Pavilion, Damansara; drop by to this restaurant for a good local meal.

After our meal, as we walked back towards where our car was parked; we stopped by at this place called, “Five Guys”. “This looks interesting”, I said. Lots of red and white, a typical American diner. The set up looked really good – brightly lit, lots of pictures and sayings on the wall. The decor – like an American diner. Claims to be the favourite burger joint in town. We will have to experience it for ourselves. Next time perhaps.

NOTES:
1. “Hit the road” can be likened to “get cracking” or on simple English, “started doing it”.
I attempt to add colour in English and try to be as descriptive as possible.