Hatyai unplugged; a journey through local hangouts
Hanging out with the guys at the HUM cafe
Day of rest. Taking a much needed breather now in Hatyai at some cozy cafe called HUM, which felt more like a hang out place for friends. I often look for places with artisanal, filter coffee because they represent a cozy, sensory friendly nook where I can recharge from the overstimulation of being in a bustling city. Plus real baristas have keen senses and appreciate the finer qualities of life. I feel at ease with people who are so in-tuned, knowing we share a similar sensory language.
The inviting smell of coffee wafted through the air as I entered the cafe; the concrete floor roughly hewn and the worn out wooden door slightly creaking. There were only three tables, all with wood so well used that it felt smooth to the touch. I took a tentative seat at the corner table, trying to balance my wooden stool on the uneven concrete surface. As I was battling clumsily with the stool, the barista, who sported an easy going afro hairstyle, smiled at me, inviting me to order when I was ready.
There was a gentle and kind energy about him. Despite his tall and lanky size, he reminded me of someone with muscular arms and a big embraceable chest, the steady ones who quietly look out for their family and friends, without being showy or loud about it. I reminded myself to be respectful of his space and went to order my filter coffee, patiently waiting to be surprised by the coffee notes that he could create.
In fact, this cozy cafe seemed like it was made more for hanging out with friends, than for serving coffee. In the two hours I was there, there were no fewer than nine friends who dropped by his cafe, with only one of them buying coffee. The others came to chat, to eat their take-away lunch and one even brought his guitar to play. I wondered how the owner made money though, given that only two of us bought coffee in the two hours I was there.
Once again I had forgotten to bring cash and he didn’t accept credit cards, so he very trustingly said to bring it back later. When I returned, what were the chances that there were even more friends hanging out! It was a very warm and fun place, that’s for sure. When they saw me return with my motorbike, we broke into a chat on my trip to Chiang Mai and they happily gave me suggestions on where to go.
Thus, with their good wishes, I prepared for my next ride to the well-recommended Chumphon and looked forwards to going deeper into the Isthmus of Kra.