In New Hartford, Connecticut, there's a cafe called Passiflora. I used to sit in there for hours, writing, reading, studying, or letting distraction grip me for a while. It was a place away from home to be alone with my thoughts in the presence of others. I actually relished when I'd have a paper to work on or a novel to finish reading. It was a great reason to spend some time getting caffeinated at good ol' Passiflora.
I have a Passiflora here in Lappeenranta, too. Kahvila Majurska, like Passiflora, is located in an old building. It has old baubles that both decorate and clutter the place. It has large, antique chairs, and sturdy wood tables. The old fortress is just outside, which is probably my favorite place in all of Lappeenranta. Everything there is old, while so much of Lappeenranta is practically brand new.
The only problem with Majurska is that they don't serve coffee in enormous foam cups that come with free refills. Here I am shedding a tear for my empty coffee cup. I do genuinely feel more at home in this city, though, with this beautiful place to sit and work.
Beautiful. It's wonderful, isn't it, to find those particular places that make a city yours.
ReplyDeleteYou put it very well. I feel as if I'm sort of collecting places like that, and the more I acquire, the more this place feels like home. :)
DeleteI miss having that kind of place here. In Indo there are SOOOOO many restos/cafes with different atmosphere that we can choose easily...but I do love living in this small village for so many other aspects. :-)
ReplyDeleteLOVE that photo and LOVE the fact that you feel more at home there. :-D
I hope you all have at least a few nice places to sit, eat, and waste time. :)
DeleteHave you tried asking for a santsi (a refill)? At least the coffee shops I've been to will give you one if you ask for it.
ReplyDeleteI've actually never tried that. When I'm from, a non-disposable container often means no refill. I'm not sure why I carried that assumption over here to Finland. Thanks!
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