Walking down University Ave feels like entering the caffeine paradise
Palo Alto has over a hundred coffee shops, and I believe it — I walked one block and counted five. Five. On a single stretch of sidewalk.
My routine is simple: pick a coffee shop, drink a cup of black coffee, read my WSJ like I’m very important, and then bribe myself into exercising at the Bryant Community Center. Coffee first, movement second — that’s the deal I’ve made with myself.
429 Bryant Community Center (a brand new center, started Jan 2026, a top secret) has classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays — strength, fitness, cardio dance — nothing too hard, just enough to pretend I’m taking care of myself. I joined a class, and the instructor, Alissa, was so cheerful and energetic that I felt guilty even thinking about skipping next time.
Maybe this will become a real habit. Or at least a good excuse to keep getting coffee.