My Third Place
I was reading this article called “If You Feel Lonely or Isolated, You Need a “Third Place” in Your Life” by Kieran MacRae, and it suddenly got me thinking about the Third Place in my life.
No, you are not going to receive an award for guessing because practically every single article of mine, mentions my third place, my second home and my first resort to familiarity, “The Roastery”.
There are only very few people in my life, who have come to visit me and left without stepping their foot in Roastery.
I have been trying to discover more “Third Places” in my life but ever since I was introduced to this charming little cafe, I have been blindfolded.
The reason why I decided to move back to Bangalore, the reason why I took my house in a particular area, the reason why I also started reading frequently — I credit all of this to The Roastery.
What’s not to like? Imagine this. You are blank, empty. There’s constant rush, honking and noise around you. You are right smack in the middle of a congested street.
But you want solace. As you walk, you decide to take a detour to a little street that almost seems placed, created. There’s suddenly a breath of fresh air, its cool and warm at the same time. You can spot hanging sleek modern warm lights and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
The coffee station is decorated with sleek, modern equipment — espresso machines, grinders, and drip coffee makers — all humming with the promise of a delightful cup. The counter is adorned with an array of artisanal coffee beans displayed in rustic containers, showcasing the diverse flavors waiting to be brewed.
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A chalkboard menu lists an assortment of coffee options, from bold espressos to velvety lattes, allowing customers to choose their preferred caffeine fix.
Baristas in aprons are busy and move around the station, expertly crafting each cup with precision. The steam from the espresso machine rises contributing to the coffee experience.
The clinking of cups, the rhythmic grind of beans, and the occasional hiss of the steam blend seamlessly with the experience.
You step in, place your order, forget about the order, grab a seat by the corner placed next to the large transparent windows, almost as clean as the squeaky sound you hear while cleaning the glass on the window. You decide to open a book while listening to some jazz music.
The ambiance is perfect; it’s great to get lost in the wind rustling against the leaves, the non-intrusive track, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee beans. It’s getting slightly colder; you take out your jacket, get all cozy, and open your favorite book. You are laughing out loud, and you feel completely safe and secure.
And then comes the Caramel Macchiato that you ordered. You take your first sip. It’s perfect.
Now imagine going there every now and then. A break from your usual routines but a break that almost resembles a routine. 5 years have passed, but the feeling remains the same. You also have a cute community that starts at Hi and stops at Take care, see you soon.
And I am publishing this article from the Roastery, quite ceremonial, isn’t it?
So in conclusion, it most definitely is my Third Place, my Happy Place.
