Routine

There are still things that surprise me, lift an eye brow or crack a smile.  For example, many people hang dry clothes, but that’s my first mop sighting.

And who doesn't spoon feed their dogs at the table (they’re staring at me, but I promise they smiled after)

But more and more I feel settled in.  Things have become routine.  The culture shock is gone.  I still eat unhealthy food, work a lot, fight with FaceTime, and watch stupid shit on tv.  As much as I’d love to tell you it’s more exciting than that, sometimes it’s just a typical boring day.  My place can still get messy despite a daily maid. 

I usually visit “omelette man” every morning for the hotel breakfast.  He thankfully knows my meat and cheese only order by now.

In order to function I usually make a cup of coffee (or two) before work.  After work it's the daily struggle to to find something for dinner.

I still have a terrible of habit of opening the fridge knowing there's NOTHING in there.  Some things never change.

Speaking of coffee, I recently went to  Mellower Café.  They can do all the fancy chemex, siphone, and presses.  No one orders that though.  All the cell phone cameras and selfies are pointed squarely at one thing only.  Sweet little rain.

Steam from the coffee melts the suspended cotton candy which then drips down to sweeten it.  It’s over the top, but fun.  There's actually a bunch of great coffee shops here.  I've already mentioned Sumerian, which is still my favorite.  There's also this place in the French Concession, Madison, who imports a ton of beans - at really fun 100% import taxes.

Well it’s starting to feel like spring here, thankfully.  Supposedly there are some outdoor concerts and festivals coming up. Katy Perry's back to back shows aren't on my list, but I just missed Ed Sheeran.  Hopefully I'll get to catch some of the good ones.