Differentiated People Watching
Saturday, January 20th, 2024, 11:17 AM, I went for a drive to Stock & Grain for a change of scenery from the usual loudness of High Point University. I found a nice spot nestled in the corner of the cushioned seats and was ready to start my day with a chilly cup of coffee, even though it felt below-freezing. This place is so different from the busy campus buildings and it could be overwhelming to take in everything. However, just sitting back and observing in this cozy atmosphere has my mind wandering.
As I look around, it is very quiet and calm for a Saturday morning. As time goes by, different groups of people come in trying to awaken and remember the events of the night before with a fresh cup of Message Coffee. The barista behind the counter moved with ease and grace, expertly crafting complicated beverages. Their friendly attitude towards customers created an atmosphere of familiarity, transforming the transactional act of ordering coffee into an emotional exchange. As an outsider, I can't help but notice the distinct lack of warmth and friendliness that seems to be prevalent among New Yorkers. I'm curious about the reasons behind this and whether it's simply a stereotype or a reality. Perhaps it's a coping mechanism for living in a crowded and fast-paced city, or maybe it's just a cultural difference that I need to learn to understand. Whatever the case may be, I'm eager to explore this topic further and gain a deeper insight into the fascinating world of New York culture.
In one corner of the room, a group of students were huddled together with their laptops, deeply engrossed in discussions. The silence was filled with the sound of their cracking keyboards as they procrastinated on their schoolwork to make complicated spring break plans. The drama happening next to me felt like an episode of Love Island. The people involved were in a constant state of flux, with evictions, love triangles, and rivalries all playing out in real-time. On the other side of the room, a group of introverted millennials sat alone but united, wearing beanies, flannels, and AirPods. They were working on their computers, either watching Netflix or doing challenging tasks. On the complete opposite end of the room, a group of rowdy, middle-aged men were loudly chatting and drinking beer. They were enjoying whatever game happened to be on, along with the messiness of the burgers, hotdogs, and brisket.
Amidst these intertwining storylines, Stock & Grain became a little world of High Point’s vibrancy. It was a place where the fast-paced rhythm of New York came to life in a small, quaint area of the High Point area. In these seemingly dull moments, there was an opportunity to dive deeper into the intricacies of people, making this Saturday morning experience more than just a change of scenery.
About them Beans:
Who: a tired college student
Where: Stock & Grain
When: Saturday Afternoon
What I’m drinking: Iced Dirty Vanilla Chai
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