Change can be good. Even if the outcome looks to be quite negative at present, in the future you may be thankful for how the events have turned out.
For all of you who've read my blogs or know me personally, you already know how much I love Tabaq and their coffee. It doesn't start or end with the coffee; it's the food, dessert, service, ambiance, and the list goes on. Even though my coffee adventures aren't as common these days, every now and then I must head out and look for a suitable cafe for work purposes. Also when it comes to hangouts and meetups.
Tabaq has been my go-to coffee shop for almost a decade now; I've faded countless other big chains and shops, and still do, to this day. However, in the past year or so, Awake Coffee Roasters have created quite an impression on me. It's quite like the experience of how Tabaq was for me initially.
During the past few months, I've probably visited Awake 3 to 4 times. Whether it's business or friendly meetups. And that's an awful lot of times, even for me; since I've decided to simmer down my coffee adventures.
To be very honest, I'm slowly beginning to like this place. A part of me wants to come back.
Will it topple Tabaq and take the number one spot? I don't think so. For that to happen, Awake has to be consistent for the next 4 to 5 years or so, only then I'll think about it. Yet, for now, it quite easily secures the second spot on my list of preferred coffee shops.
Over here it's firstly the theme and ambience that catches your attention. The darker shade of emerald green which is their main theme, stands out quite well, it is like no other. The food is quite good, the pricing is fair and similar to other popular coffee shops, and the coffee is on par with even the bigger chains and maestros of the local coffee business.
Yesterday I was there to meet a friend. He was born and has lived most of his life in Libya. I got to know him from mutual friends, gaming, and the online realm of social media. We've known each other since the COVID days.
This is the first time I've met him, and he is back in the country after 15 years. So, I had to manage the time to meet him. Thus, I put aside some tasks and called him up to meet me at Awake Cafe.
Even though this was the first time I'd met him, it felt like I'd known him for quite a while. I guess that's how strong the bond was, even though we've only known each other from one side of the monitor or phone to another. There was an obscure synergy and connection present during our meeting. I guess that's why postponing the task I had felt so natural. It's a gut feeling, and I believe my gut is one hell of a tool that knows what's right, and what's wrong.
We ordered two espressos, a chocolate chip cookie, and a chicken tikka sandwich. The sandwich was for myself since I hadn't much to eat that day. He said he wasn't hungry, so he opted for a coffee and the cookie we shared.
We shared our stories, talking about how life has changed in the past 4 to 5 years. How our daily activities have changed, how work has changed, so much time has passed, yet how it all feels like yesterday. We were there for about an hour or so. Later on, we hit the road, we talked and walked a fair distance, I shared about my life struggles in the past few years, and how I've taken things into my own hands.
He understands and respects the grind, and he himself knows the grind as well. He's a top performer at his company, and is quite the asset there he says. He works for a big oil company in Libya, and I believe he has a bright future ahead. And he's only in his mid-20s. A long way to go still, and a lot to learn and experience.
He'll head back to Libya after two months or so. I don't know if I'll be able to meet him again during this time. Yet, we'll see what destiny has planned for us.
Till next time, I guess. Cheers! ☕️
I agree change is necessary, even if it's minute and sometimes drastic. It's great that you made the time for this awesome coffee moment.
I'm glad I did. I love their chicken tikka sandwich at Awake, and also those random conversations while walking down the streets. ✨
Your meeting with that friend may just be the beginning of a bond.
I've had friendships that stemmed in ways as tgat. We spend a long time just talking on the phone, and when we eventually meet, we click instantly. And somehow, we're able to stay and maintain the new bond.
I like thar you've not made conclusions on taking Awake Cafe as your number one coffee shop. Allow yourself to enjoy the place a little longer and see if it gets the thrill for longer
Even if I take my time away from friends and decide to focus on work, whenever I do get the chance to meet them again, the bond is still just as strong. I am blessed with some good friends, that's for sure.
Slow and steady is the way.
I’m sure switching from Tabaq to Awake coffee was never an easy job but I’m glad you could do it. I’m trying to have more interest in coffee though to feel what you all are enjoying from it
I haven't switched, it's just that Awake Cafe is more accessible from where I operate.
If this is the second one on your list (for now), I would love to know the first one. Tabaq must be an extraordinary place.
By the way, your pictures are. Colorful and shimmering. At times it looks like you can reach in and steal some of your coffee!
When I grow up I would like to take pictures like you do.😁
I've written many times about Tabaq, and I'll probably do it again haha.
And my pictures are nothing special, basic point-and-shoot on a phone.