Hopefully, tomorrow’s protest across the United States will be the largest one yet, a moment of unity and expression that rises to meet the urgency of the times.
Today, under the spell of another beautiful day, I took Joan out for a little outing. We went to a cafe she’s technically been to before, though she doesn’t recall the visit. I decided not to remind her, some moments are better enjoyed as if they’re entirely new.
The place is called uPrzyjaciel (which means “among friends”), a cozy little cafe I’ve written about in the past. One of its best features is the conveniently located handicapped parking spot right out front, which made things much easier for us. Rather than sitting inside, we chose the garden area, which offers a bit of quiet charm tucked away from the bustle of the city. To reach it, you pass through a small corridor between the buildings, and then suddenly you’re in this hidden patio space nestled in the heart of the square.
The surrounding buildings are aged, full of character, and seem to whisper fragments of history. The garden itself is enveloped in greenery, bushes and trees offering both shade and serenity. There's a sort of quiet intimacy to the space that makes you want to linger. A lovely detail: many of the tables are crafted from the bases of old Singer sewing machines, blending nostalgia with function in a way that feels thoughtful.
We ordered two coffees and shared a slice of chocolate cake topped with whipped cream and a scoop of ice cream. The coffee was satisfying, rich and warm, but the cake, sadly, didn’t quite measure up to the high bar set by Sowa’s confections. As for the ice cream, it was unidentifiable, and not in a way that suggested mystery or intrigue.
Afterward, since we were nearby, we took a short walk over to Plac Wolności. We found a bench and settled in for some relaxed people-watching. There’s something grounding about simply observing the world go by, families, students, the occasional dog trotting along. We stayed for about an hour and a half, soaking up the atmosphere, before finally heading home.
