This morning didn't quite start the way I'd wanted it.
First, I was woken by the screaming of seagulls - we're in London, aren't we? No Sea nearby?! Those birds have been circling around our estate for over a week and keep me waking up in the early hours. Not nice.
Then, I am out of clothes as the laundry is not done and my wardrobe is pretty empty. Also not cool. I manage to find some stuff to throw over and leave pretty early, with the intention (or plan, as I'd like to say), to find a cosy spot, sip a coffee and read my newest book "You And Me On Vacation" from Emily Henry. I bought it last Sunday and couldn't resist starting reading, even though I am still not halfway through "The Red House" from Mark Haddon. I developed this annoying habit of starting to read several books at the same time ... and somehow only manage to finish about 50% of them.
I checked two bus routes and picked the 295 to Fulham. Within 4 minutes after I left the house, I was sitting in the front row of the top deck and let myself drive through the busy morning traffic between Wandsworth and Fulham.
Which meant, it was past 8 am when I got off the bus at Fulham Townhall, a bus stop too early than Citymapper and my planned destination indicated. I say planned on purpose, because, you know, when you have a plan, it most likely doesn't really go to plan ...
Guess what? It didn't. I was distracted by two other shops lined up in front of me and the time, realising, that sitting in, reading and drinking my cuppa, won't work. I've got to come up with another idea that allows me more time.
I decided to head to "The Shot Espresso" and was surprised by the small and cosy size of the shop. It was inviting and I was so tempted to stay! I knew the time wouldn't allow me to, so I ordered my coffee takeaway, along with a freshly baked croissant. I know I should've not, but the smell was irresistible. You couldn't just walk away without.
Outside I did my quick "shot" of the sign and then checked times for the bus. Instead of waiting, I decided to walk to the next bus stop, and then the next, and another one, until it made more sense to walk all the way home rather than jumping on a bus that would take the same time as walking home.
It was not the best experience of getting a morning coffee - everything felt so rushed and stressed and there was also a feeling of annoyance within me and around. Nevertheless, I liked the place I discovered today and will be sure to go back there on one of my days off, to enjoy my coffee (and potentially a cake or breakfast!) in a more relaxed manner, including reading my book.
Like how it should be!