Strolls, Sips, and Self-Reflection: Mornings in Aulnay-sous-Bois

I’m currently in Aulnay-sous-Bois, France, a Parisian suburb that has, over recent years, welcomed an influx of immigrants and refugees from North Africa and the Middle East. This became the perfect setting for what I'd soon realize was much more than just a morning beverage experience.

Staying at an Ibis hotel, breakfast came at an additional cost of 12 euros. Given my financial constraints as a pole vaulter trying to “make it”, I chose not to partake. My first morning here led me to Google Maps (which I personally find superior to Apple Maps) to find a nearby cafe. A 15-minute walk away was "Cafe Du Grand Paris."

Walking through this unfamiliar suburb, I was struck by the cultural richness around me. Upon reaching the cafe, the ambiance was lively — older gentlemen engaged in spirited discussions in Arabic, black coffees in hand; Moroccan teenagers darting in and out, serving longstanding patrons; and a middle-aged Middle Eastern man observing the animated surroundings.

At the counter, when I inquired about lattes, a young Moroccan barista responded with a gleam in his eye, simply saying, "Moroccan tea."

Was there a divine hand stirring my tea? Because from the first sip, I was a convert. Over the next couple of days, I maintained this ritual — waking up, strolling to Cafe Du Grand Paris, sipping Moroccan tea, and observing the human tapestry around me.

On my last morning, I pondered:

If I had the option to drive to the cafe, would I? If I could make this tea at the Ibis hotel, would I?

Surprisingly, my answer was no.

The tea wasn't merely about quenching thirst or hunger. It was about the entire experience: the walk through town, the interactions, the gratitude exchanged with the servers. Each element contributed to a fulfilling morning.

It made me reflect. If I wouldn't streamline this experience, why would I do that with others in life? Why the constant rush? I realized the tea wouldn't taste the same in isolation, devoid of the morning sun and the journey leading up to it.

And as I write this during my morning walk, I recognize that it's these very strolls that sparked these introspections.