As the world goes by

The beginning of a new week is upon us. The City is bustling. I am sitting in a wooden seat, not the most comfortable, but certainly charming. The cushion on which I am issiting is worn. These chairs have been well used. Who sat here before me? Who shall sit here after? I gaze at the traffic passing by, and look out as people walk on the street. The weather is warm, many people are in t-shirts.

A woman walked past, only to turn back around and come into the cafe, as if the cafe tempted them in some way. I do the same thing, too: when I walk past something of note, I sometimes stop, abruptly, and go back. As if it takes my mind a few seconds to process what is going on.

Many people have passed by today. An older man delivered fruit, sitting down afterwards to have a cup of coffee. I didn't see him get into a van, so I speculate that there is a grocer nearby from which this coffee shop gets its fruit. Fresh fruit. I didn't have any, however: instead, I had a croissant to satisfy my hunger as I forgot to eat breakfast.

A woman in front of me takes a photo of the world outside, as if to document the moment. She blows softly on her coffee, expediously delivered to her table. Earlier a woman walked past with her hands full: a carton of oat milk, two boxes with coffee equipment. A new home barista perhaps? A man walks past in Hawaiian shorts, smiling as he gazes around.

A man wears red shoes. Good style.

Here, after reading the news of the day, I am left with a sense of curiosity about the world. And a feeling of amazement. I cannot help but wonder how so many buses run in the city. I remember being in awe at the bus system in London, wondering how so many buses could occupy the streets in a busy city. Thankfully I was accompanied by a kind friend who could help me navigate the system.

The woman previosuly blowing delicately on her coffee is now reading a book, engrossed in the words of a title that I cannot ascertain. It is peaceful here, the perfect place to read. And, when one looks up, they can watch the world go by. I wonder how many people will do the same thing here, today. The man to my left, while waiting for his friend with the red shoes to return, gazed out of the window. Perhaps he, too, was, for a moment, in wonder about the world outside.