“Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot little puppies.”
― Gene Hill
Started doing sessions for donations to the local dog shelter a couple of weeks back, and N and G reached out because they wanted portraits done and they loved that the sessions were for a cause. I was excited to see them too, because they're Arya's humans. Arya came to our apartment last year for the hubby's and mine's birthday, and we got to see how much of a darling she was.
She also drove Tomas crazy with her puppy energy, which was hilarious to watch.
Arya is also a rescue!
We met at the mall near their home. Apparently, this is one of Arya's fave places for walkies. We got clicking before the mall opened, which meant that we got most of the space to ourselves. Had no problem getting them comfortable because these two have photography backgrounds themselves (N is a photographer herself, and G worked as a photographer in a cruise ship before coming to China). Having to run after Arya and seeing her derpy outtakes were also enough to get us in the mood for some really nice shots without us even knowing it.
A few shots from that sunny morning, which is a precious thing to behold when you live in this foggy city.
“She's an old soul with young eyes, a vintage heart, and a beautiful mind.”
― Nicole Lyons
Chestnuts Café is tucked inside a run-down alley behind the glossy high-rises of GYQ, another new café in what used to be an old apartment unit.The next-door units also look like they've been transformed into craft shops and cafes, but were closed so we couldn't know for sure. The upper floors remain occupied by tenants, so looking up you'd likely see laundry hanging from the balconies, planters sitting by windowsills mixed with old toys and broken electric fans.
A few steps from the café you can see small noodle stalls selling for 5RMB, the backs of kitchens, people peddling fruits and vegetables on carts. This isn't really a place one would expect to find a retro-inspired café. But it's here, they're here now, sprouting like mushrooms after a rainy day and it's fun discovering them to see what they offer, side from the eclectic curated décor and the fur cushions on wood-and-wicker lounges.
The owners recommend their Thai tea, but too late, I had already ordered the matcha in ice. My glass was still good though, creamy and earthy with that characteristic leafy aftertaste. The husband stuck to his American coffee but this time with ice, since it was really hot. I made a mental note to go back to try the Thai tea, hopefully served warm and perfect for fall.
The shop is small and is also a boutique. Going in I think we interrupted a trunk sale. The space outside was a charming extension of the shop though, and that afternoon we had the front yard to ourselves as we people-watched and stretched our legs after a long walk.
