Starting off my days in Manila, I've been accompanied by my best friend Sam - who took me to lunch (after no longer being jet lagged) at a spot in SM San Lazaro, a popular chain all across the PI. After deciding on what type of food we wanted, we stepped into a little artisan bakery named Scarsdale.
I was already surprised at how trendy it was, with immediate Portland/Oakland/SF vibes. Even though the donuts and selection of cronuts - from a matcha green tea donut to chocolate bacon cornflake cronut looked pretty tasty, we opted for lunch instead. We ordered roast beef cronut sandwiches, caesar salad, tea, and satisfied my mango craving with a juice refreshment because one does not avoid anything mango when in the Philippines.
It was cutely decorated and had one of the best wall decors I might have ever seen, which makes it just a cute area to catch up with a friend. We were able to chat about our vastly different yet connected lives (a unique long distance friendship going on 10 years) in America and the Philippines.
Having such a good time at this charming place made me feel so - comfortable.
But that was it.
I was so comfortable being in a place that reminded me so much of home, where originally my goal was to break the habit with the familiar.
With each bite of my cronut sandwich that epiphany tasted a little stronger, but was not a setback for me. It just made me focus more on stepping out of my comfort zone for my need to discover something new within culture - and I believe it’s out there waiting for me.
xo A