After many (failed) attempts at overcoming excruciatingly painful personal issues, I finally did it...
I went to a coffee shop on my own, purchased a 'freshly blended' iced drink on my own, and sat at a table on my own. Just me, on my lonesome, all by myself.
Even a year ago, I wouldn't have been seen dead in a coffee house on my ownio. I was far too aware that everyone would be looking at me and laughing at the girl in the corner...deserted, desolate and detached. Of course, I now know that's not how people act, but in my head, and at that time, it most definitely was.
Caffe Nero was the coffee shop of choice, having only fairly recently taken over Paul Rankin's cafe on the corner of Fountain Street. As I am not a tea or coffee drinker, the only other options are hot chocolate or a cold beverage, so a 'freshly blended' iced drink it was.
I like the way you select the drink in the fridge (I went for orange, lemon and lime) and then take it to the counter for a bit of whizzing action. Weeeeee. Whilst watching the female barista give my drink a good blend, I must have had the expression of a decidedly unfamiliar Caffe Nero novice, for the male barista asked me if I had a loyalty card. When I replied no, he gave me not one, but two stamps on a new one and handed me it. Must've liked the look of me.
The drink was incredibly thirst-quenching, and also seemingly bottomless. Despite a good 40 minute sit-down in Caffe Nero, I still could not finish it, and by the end of that time, I was absolutely bursting for the loo as I'd drunk so much. Great value for money methinks.
The next time I'm feeling particularly daring and gutsy, I'll be stepping back into Caffe Nero, armed with my twice-stamped loyalty card. Looking forward to it already. read more