This is one post I never wanted to write, but it needs to be put down in words.
I first discovered this place during a rough patch in my pre-pandemic career. The people I’ve met and friends I’ve made in my visits deserve much thanks for helping me tide over that low point in life.
However, the pandemic came and ruined everything. I was stuck at home for a good two years, while the wheels of time moved forward. Things were different when I returned in 2022, and I definitely felt out of place.
While I feel the alienation as time passes and only a few still recognize me, the biblical verse comes to mind: “No prophet is accepted in his home country.” Seems like I overstayed my welcome, then. The Nowhere Man is indeed unwelcome wherever he goes.
Let’s face it – I’m no extrovert. I don’t have the confidence to light up a room. I’m not growing any younger; as an older millennial, I stick out like a sore thumb among the Gen Zs.
Sad, really. But it is what it is.
Nevertheless, I’m thankful to have discovered this place and known some long-timers during a period when I needed company the most. No one can take that away – given that they serve as reminders that there is something to look forward to, even just for once.
I may no longer be able to visit this joint in the near future due to circumstances beyond my control. I guess it’s goodbye for now, it not forever. See you in better times, if they come.
The Monching's Guide 
Everything happens for a reason; your paths crossed when they were meant to. Remember the good times …!
Thank you. 🙂 I guess you’re right – they were fun while they lasted.
dang dude, those pastries look so good. I hope you get to go back and circumstances get better.
Thank you, Jose. They surely were; I just hope things get ironed out on my end next year.
I’m sorry to hear that you had to part with a place that made you feel at home ♥️ I had my fair share of heartbreaks with places due to my moves, and recently because of a friendship breakup. As a millennial myself, I can somehow relate to your pain, but I also believe that we paved the way for Gen Zs, so we should be proud of ourselves 😊
Thank you! 🙂
I‘m sorry to read about your feelings when you came back to that place where you had such good feelings. 😢 As we say here: Whenever a door closes, another one opens. New opportunities and possibilities will come. So who knows what good and positive places the future will bring you to. Wishing you all the best! 💚🍀
Thank you, Livia. 🙂
It’s never fun when a homey place suddenly feels foreign. Hope you find your new spot soon 🙂
Thank you, Candy! Rather sad, but yeah — it is what it is.
It’s never too late to develop the confidence to light up a room–or at least feel more comfortable among the stars.
Thank you, Evelyn!
It’s too bad you don’t feel the same way about this place anymore, but in a way it helped you through a difficult time, and you took what you needed from it. Maybe now you just need something different. I hope you find another place that can offer you the same feeling as this one did!
Thank you, Juliette. 🙂 Interestingly, the owner of the place reached out to me and sent some words of assurance earlier today.
That pastry looks amazing! And that looks like one fine cup of coffee, too. I think I could make myself at home there, too!
It sure is! 😊 A cup of coffee is always good any time of the day, most especially now that it’s winter over there!
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that. It feels sad when a beloved place feels different and circumstances makes it hard to enjoy the place like before.
But how great that it served as a good place for you when you needed it. I get sad when things come to an end too. Wishing you closure and a new cool place to find your space!
Thank you! I do hope to come back there when things get better, alongside discovering new spots.
oh, and I think you are pretty effective at this monching guide!
Thank you!
Let the good times roll! So much can be changed utterly through absence; which doesn’t always make the heart grow fonder. Your blog post is a positive and no doubt the good feeling will come round again.
Thank you for your wonderful message, Shane; Happy holidays to you guys over there at the Emerald Isle!
Oh, silly boy! You shine! Your kind heart shines really bright and you don’t need to be an extrovert for anyone to see you or notice that there’s goodness surrounding you. I follow you on Instagram as well as your blog for a reason. And how many times have you brighten other peoples days just by reading their blogs and liking them. You are no sore thumb. You are a beautiful flower and you matter. A LOT! I appreciate you. So thank you for being a part of my life, even if it’s only through our blogs and social media.
Thank you very much, Isa-bear! 🙂
It’s a shame your connection with the place has faltered. I really believe some places ( and people!) anchor themselves into our lives for good and some just fit into a certain time in our lives. I guess we have to take everything for what it is and just keep going.
Also, I’m a little late as I took a bit of a break across Christmas and New Year, but Happy New Year and all the best for ’23!
You’re right, Helen. Some people (or places in this case) stay for a reason, some for a season, and some for a lifetime.
It’s fine, you have to enjoy life outside of blogging. Wishing you likewise!
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