A Morning Out

by Marie Vonow (follow)

Writing (64)      Routine (11)      Coffee (7)      Cafe (2)      Outing (1)     

I know I benefit from breaking my routine and doing something different. However, there is the temptation to stick with what I know and plenty of reasons not to make the effort to try something different. This morning I caught a bus to a township about 15 kilometres away and am so glad I did.

I had decided yesterday that I would go out this morning and have coffee at a 'new' cafe, meaning somewhere I haven't tried before. Instead of heading in towards the city I would go in the opposite direction, out into 'the country'. The buses are run by a different company and instead of using my metrocard I need to talk to the driver and buy a ticket from him or her. I checked the timetable and decided which bus to catch there and the one to catch back.

I knew the weather would be hot but decided not to use this as an excuse to stay home. After all I would return to the comfort of my home before the worst of the heat.

My plan was to return three library items which I had borrowed from my local library and check out the resources there. Perhaps I would borrow something too. I love the freedom of the OneCard system which enables me to borrow and return items at other libraries.

After that, I would take my time to enjoy a coffee and write down any thoughts or observations in my notebook.

I caught the bus and enjoyed the 20 minute trip. We drove past paddocks of dry grass where sheep grazed. There were a few houses, some old and some new, and small farms with old rusty vehicles. There were even a few horses.

Once I was off the bus, I walked down the street and looked around. When I have visited here in the last couple of years it has been with other people so I have been busy talking and not taken much notice of my surroundings.

Today there was extensive road works in progress, creating lots of noise and dust. Cars and trucks were crawling along in accordance with the signs.

My attention was caught by a bare tree that had been decorated with baubles for the Christmas season. This made me think of the great variety of trees and decorations one sees these days. Long gone are the days when a Christmas tree meant a green tree, probably a live one, decorated with shiny baubles, tinsel and some lights.


I entered the library and found the box for returns. It was interesting to see the resources available and I found four CDs to borrow. The librarian checked them out for me as there is no self service facility. This gave me an opportunity to have a quick chat to her.

Then it was time to have a coffee. I had planned to go to the bakery and had checked the opening hours on the internet. When I saw an interesting looking restaurant/cafe next to the bakery I changed my mind. Even though the weather was getting hot I chose to sit outside. It was shady and pleasant. I enjoyed reading a magazine and making some notes while I waited for the cappuccino to be brought to my table.

When I had finished my coffee I walked up the street and had a look around a supermarket/hardware store. I bought an item I forgot to get from the shops yesterday. When I left and headed toward the bus stop I noticed some pretty blue flowers and took a photo.


There was still time to browse around a thrift shop. I got talking to the two volunteers who were rostered to work today. Had I had more time I would have chatted for longer, but I didn't want to risk missing the bus home.

I caught the bus and exchanged a few words with the driver before choosing my seat and fastening my seat belt. The trip back was pleasant and gave me time to reflect on my morning.

Even a short break from my usual routine gives me new insights and provides ideas for articles to write. It makes me think of things to talk about to my friends next time we meet up. I come into contact with new people. An outing like this inspires me to return another day and explore further.


# Cafe
# Coffee
# Outing
# Routine
# Writing

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