First trip to Wallace Espresso on Dupont

I had this dream. The dream was good.

I had this dream where I wake up early, with the sunrise, meditate and eat my breakfast. It is a simple, oatmeal and nuts and seeds breakfast. Simple, filling, healthy, good.

I then go outside. It is quiet. I breathe in the fresh morning air and I know that I am in a different dimension.

And then I walk. I walk to a new coffee shop. Every day a new coffee shop. It may seem like they would run out at last but they don’t. There are plenty in my area, and when I’ve been to them all I go to a new area. I walk. I walk sometimes for three minutes and sometimes to thirty. But it’s always a new experience.

My walk is filled with joy. A new flower bloomed here, an interesting pear tree in the alleyway there. A parent walking with their young child. A courier going about their mundane, yet magical day. They probably don’t know the magic, but I see it.

I take pictures on my way. I take pictures of the coffee shop as I approach it, inside it, view from outside. I capture the vibe and the magic of each. I buy my americano. Double or half calf, with just a bit of water, 1:1 ratio. First I try it as is to feel out the quality and flavour. Then I add sugar. Then I sit on the patio or the sidewalk and I drink it. I feel good.

I then walk home with a caffeine aura around me. I enjoy my hike back, and I get home. A whole life before the day even starts. I sit down at my desk and I write about the coffee shop in my blog. I add the pictures, the videos, and the magic. It is good.

And so, I explore the city. I know every little street, every little street art. Every little alleyway that opens up to this or that hidden coffee shop. I explore the magic of life before the day starts, and I keep it with myself well beyond all other day ends.

When I travel I do the same. When I stay over at a friend’s place I do the same. The world is filled with coffee shops for me to visit and explore.

I become popular. Half anonymous yet still reachable. Restaurants ask me to review them. I go to the best restaurants in the city, I go to the best restaurants in the world. And I review them. Life is good.

So, welcome to my early morning coffee hike!

***

First stop Wallace Espresso on 1642 Dupont St, Toronto, ON, Canada

May 15, 2021.

I decided to start anew on May 15, 2021. The past two months were a mess.
On March 15, 2021 I’ve started a new gluten free/dairy free diet that is the healthiest for me. On March 16, 2021 I found out that my friend from university killed himself by jumping off the bridge in Germany, where he lived. About a month of a mild yet palpable depression followed. And then another month of overwhelm and paralysis in trying to catch up with the lost month. Finally, I have started feeling better and got it together enough to decide that on May 15 I start anew. And I did.

But I woke up later than the sunrise, and my phone was locked in my KitchenSafe. So, I still decided to take the walk. Just for the checkmark I wanted to go to the Whack Ass Coffee that is right in the next building, but it was closed. I then decided to walk along Dupont westway to the closest coffee shop I could find. And guess what? There was a line up after a line up.

It was the first day of palpable summer. People walking outside, happy. Daddies with little daughters happily skipping in their cute summer outfits with little suns and little hats. Couples and dogs, and trees and birds. It was beautiful.

Finally I reached Wallace Espresso on Dupont and ordered my single americano.
“All our americanos are double and for the same price as a single. Would you like that instead?”
With a heavy heart I had to refuse. I can’t have a double americano at 11 am, I will never fall asleep. I can’t have a single americano at this time either, but I had to compromise.

Sensing my heavy heart my barista asked:
“Would you like a half caf double americano then?”

YES!

I also got a gluten free paleo chocolate pecan cookie as I haven’t had breakfast yet.

They also put your sugar & stuff themselves, which was cute. It felt very personalized.

Loved the experience and service!

The coffee was pretty good too flavourful and rich.
Total price for double half caf americano and a gluten free paleo cookie: $9.38

It is a bit much for me, but I plan on having a good breakfast before I get my coffee so moving forward americano only.

I sat on the stairs of the Ukrainean Orthodox church nearby, in the shade made by the trees, and enjoyed the coffee and cookie. I then walked back home happy and joyful.

And so ends my first Early Morning Coffee Hike. It wasn’t early morning, and I didn’t take pictures, but it’s a start. Welcome to my adventure!