No Price Tag

An Indigeneous Idea

Parked along Hooper Road, somewhere behind Kandan Kerbau Hospital is a cooling spot for the yuppies; if I may say.

Unlike most other corners, the access to the place is by the back door. Ooh...no, no, no nothing hanky panky; in fact it's the exact opposite - a real decent hangout.

Grace insisted we see this place and try out the best coffee in town - for free.

We had to move along back alleys for access to the place.

The decor is impressive at first glance.

Even on a hot sunny afternoon many find their way there to be immersed in the ethos of the environment.






When I took this shot, it reminded me of an ex-student who on the first time I encountered him in the discipline room, showed me his name ; in that form. I had a good time deciphering his name. Later we turned out to be the best of pals so much so that when he sat for his SPM, I had to see him everyday before a paper started. He scored an incredible success. He sits behind the recesses of my memory and is a constant reminder that no one is beyond help.

I was attracted to the meticulous set up and thought I should take a few shots to show Esther but to the consternation of Grace. "Ma, it helps if your camera doesn't ooze out that sound after each click!"

Discover further when you go to Singapore and it's a different feeling altogether.

I was told that the place is actually the back portion of an architecture firm and it has got to be connected to some marketing strategy. It's drawing the crowds the painless way and getting people interested in your ideas and reasons for the place. Curiosity kills the cat - but this time around it may just mean advertisement for architectural ideas? Esther ... you can think about it.

Dad and Sara trying to decipher reasons for the spot and why free coffee?

It's the place of the town - Papa Palheta - no price tag on the coffee. The catch is simply great - donate! Pay at your own price ! Fierce psychological device. That's how architects think I believe. Never short of being different. Some ideas catch on but many others fail. This one has found its niche among the young and old. Good one.

Coffee beans form Indonesia? Buy one on your way out. Or is it as much as you can pay?

But, I am impressed by the group of young people who serve the visitors. They are pleasant and friendly and bade us goodbye politely on our way out. Makes you want to pop by again and maybe donate more than than what is required of the cup !

Papa Palheta ... many angles to handle.