I stumble into Vida e Cafe on Kloof Street, treading mud over the ivory tiled floors. “One cappuccino and apple-and-cinnamon muffin please,” I pleaded with the barista.
“You’re wet,” he remarked.
Yes, it’s raining. I stated, with the same sarcasm as Janet from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I took a seat by the open window near the entrance and watched the water falling from the sky. It was March, and the sky decided to open up over the thirsty city of Cape Town.
I sat huddled in the window at Vida e Caffe looking out at the world under frizzy hair. I caught sight of my reflection and quickly tried to tame my curls. It was unsuccessful.
Behind me, the baristas were joking in the most jovial manner. The baristas here are always very friendly – it’s part of their charm. They are always joking with each other and teasing clients, unaware of the chaos ensuing outside. I walk 2km to work every morning, and the rain had caught me at the start of my journey. And I was unprepared. The first drizzle was bearable. I welcomed it even. But then came the downpour that we are all too familiar with in Cape Town.
I ran to safety at the nearest coffee shop to wait it out.
Cape Town comes to a standstill when it rains. It’s like people forget how to drive, walk or do anything. Taxi’s race down roads without lights on, and others crawl at a snail’s pace. Drivers forget what indicators are for and how the traffic intersection works. The city becomes gridlocked.
The barista brings my warm cup of coffee, and I breathe it in. Warmth spreads over me already. I tuck into my apple-and-cinnamon muffin and watch the world move in slow motion outside. After I drained the last few drops out of my coffee cup I got up to pay.
The rain had still not lightened, but I had to get to work.
“That will be R53.90,” my barista flashed that Vida e Caffe smile. I handed him the money.
“Thank you for the coffee. I needed it! Still a long walk to the office,” I sighed.
“That’s fine. You look good wet,” he smiled sweetly. The entire coffee shop went quiet and I felt my cheeks turn warm.
I turned and walked out of Vida e Caffe, howling with laughter.
Header Image Credit: 2 Oceans Vibe
