I walk into the cafe as light rain falls from the overcast
sky. Yet there are a few people sitting outside and enjoying the weather. I chose a seat by the door next to a large
window. I can see the parking lot, patio seating area, and the entire seating
area on the inside. I decide to order something exotic this time. A blueberry
Hibiscus hot tea. Its a perfect day for a warm drink. The female barista that takes my order has short blonde
hair. Her male partner along with their baby girl comes in soon after I order and
mingles with her for quite some time as she holds the child. The partner is a
little shorter than her and has a scruffy beard. They look like an average
young couple, probably almost middle class based on their clothing. It makes me
happy to see too people in love (even though in a work environment). It is also
worth noting the seemingly reversed role in this situation. The male is caring
for the infant while the female in working. Perhaps the male works as well.
I decided to come later again because I like the evening
vibe. From my experiences before this ethnographic field project, there are
more interesting moments in the afternoon. However this time the man in the
suit was not present. But as expected there are some students. One male who is
sitting behind me is listening to rock music as he stares at his laptop.
Another female nurse with blonde hair and glasses walks up
to the counter and talks about the weather with the cashier/mother as she pays
for her beverage. She is not wearing the NMSU nursing outfit though, hers is
navy blue which may suggest she works at the hospital.
One of the males sitting outside (who is wearing sunglasses
for some reason, probably because of the perceived "coolness" that
comes along with shades) walks inside and goes to the bathroom. About 15
minutes later he comes back. Maybe he isn't feeling good. Or just took longer
because he was browsing his phone while on the toilet (a common phenomenon in
today's young society). Nonetheless he walks out with confidence that he can go
back to drinking his coffee and eating his Panini. Eventually he comes back in
for a free refill on his coffee. The thought of the smell makes me want to buy
a cup for myself.
I decide to look around the gift shop. There is no cashier
at the register. Most of the items are not new but there are always interesting
things to look at. The products they have reflect a wide range of different
cultures and sub-cultures. I usually buy incense here so I thought I'd get
another pack for when I run out. There is another young female looking at the Buddhist
section as well. I go over to the cash register and wait for the cashier. A
middle aged female of Hispanic descent comes over with a smile on her face and
asks if I found everything okay. I said yes I did with a smile back. Small kind
interactions between complete strangers such as in the circumstance of a small
business transaction is a nice feeling among the frequent stress of being a
young student in a complex society. That is why I am drawn to her, and maybe
why others are too. I like the employees, the products, the variety of people,
and the collective vibe.
The cashier says thank you and have a good night. You too I
replied as I grabbed my incense and left the cafe to venture out into the rain.
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