ONCE UPON A TIME

I used to frequent this little coffee shop:

It was the habitue of the local bohemian brigade. Hotep, my sisters and brothers. Yet despite their cloying and annoying presence, i rather enjoyed the atmosphere. An atmosphere thick with the pungent odors of patchouli and frankincense, but an enjoyable atmosphere all the same.

I could get my tea and samosas and read a book while sitting at the front window and watch passersby. Or sit in the back, and pretend to read while really listening to "deep" conversations and stifling laughter. One time a 5% came through and dropped some knowledge. And his phone number.

On days when i came in with my hair blown straight the service wouldn't be as quick. And the smiles weren't as frequent. Or as sincere. When I came in there with my hair huge, curly, and in its natural state, i was shown mad love. Fickle lot those bohos.

Its been closed for about two years now. Maybe three? I can't remember. That whole block is being built up and a lot of the old buildings were bought out by developers to be turned into condos.

But the memories remain. I am one of those people who came in close contact with the bohemian set and lived to tell the tale. Save for a few questionable fashion choices, - I could be seen rocking this from time to time :( - my, shall we call it, "brushes with the boho" left me pretty much unscathed. I was not one of them. I could never be one of them. Thank goodness. But they did have good tea. And Samosas.

RIP Crimson Moon.