People at Work #3

Obsessed with the idea of trying an Aztek Mocha, I made the trek across town after class to  Flying Goat Coffee. Initially, I was unimpressed with the place. It is situated right next to the railroad track and has only a scatter of three or four tables outside, shaded by the stone building which was once a hotel. There is a rather pleasant little patio in the back where a few rays of morning sun penetrate the magnolia trees, although it takes an adventurous spirit to navigate a series of hallways, doors and paths to find it.

One sip of the coffee on my first visit and I abandoned any lingering allegiance to Peets and became a convert. I usually walk there after my Pilates classes, which provides me with an interesting blip walk through an older part of town with interesting people, unique shops, upscale restaurants and soup kitchens, all living cheek by jowl in apparent harmony.This morning, however, I was trying out a new class just seven minutes away from our house, so I drove.

There was a definite autumnal nip in the air as I parked in Railroad Square and went inside to order my Aztek Mocha, The barista was intent on his job but so picturesque that I asked him if I could photograph him at work. He seemed happy for me to do it, but totally incurious as to why. I told him anyway, and would have given him a card if the Blipfoto store was still in existence to provide some.

Outside, a friendly fellow at a table nearby offered to watch people's bikes, spoke discretely into his phone, gave directions to a lost and confused motorist and offered up his extra chair to a family who arrived on bikes…a large one for the dad with a Burley for the littlest girl, a medium one for the mom, and a little one for the slightly older girl. 

 My Aztek mocha (extra photo) was a revelation…rich chocolate, strong espresso, a touch of cinnamon and a wake-up jolt of chili pepper…a unique brew which warded off the chilly breeze for awhile, but losing the feeling in my fingertips, I didn't linger long , repairing instead to the yarn store across the street for some alpaca and wool for a warm cardigan.

I love this part of town.