Day 14 Living Abroad: Virtue Cafe Work: Matcha + Men

I needed a change of scenery, so I decided to get some work done at the Virtue Cafe, which is nestled on the bottom level of the Hilton Canopy. This spot is a cozy little gem with the perfect vibe for getting into a productive zone. So, I grabbed my laptop, ordered a latte, and set up shop for the morning. But let me tell you about this latte—I went in for the usual, but my eye caught something on the menu called a “butterfly” matcha latte. Naturally, my curiosity got the best of me, so I had to try it. Y’all, it was this stunning blue color, thanks to butterfly pea flower, and the flavor was just as gorgeous. It had a subtle hint of vanilla that balanced out the matcha perfectly—definitely not overpowering.

As I was sipping my latte and getting into my work, I figured it was a good time to shoot some content. Even in 2024, it amazes me how people react when they see someone creating content in public. It’s like they can’t decide whether to be annoyed or impressed. But either way, I’m focused. I’ve been asked how I manage to get over the awkwardness of shooting content in public, and here’s the thing: I treat it like any other job. It’s my job, and I’m going to do it well. So, whether people are staring, side-eyeing, or even coming up to ask what I’m doing, I stay in my lane and get it done. That’s how you keep it professional and keep it moving.

Once I wrapped up my work, my mind wandered to this time I was in Toronto, and a guy asked me out to lunch. Now, this wasn’t just any lunch—this man didn’t even eat. He sat across from me and told me his job had given him food earlier, so he wasn’t hungry. Oh, and he didn’t offer to pay for my meal either. I was left wondering how someone could ask you out to lunch and then not even participate in it—whew, the memories.

After finishing up at Virtue, I decided to take advantage of the hotel’s location. The Hilton Canopy is perfectly situated near all the high-end designer stores you could dream of. I decided to take a stroll down to Alexander Wang to see if they had these shoes I’d been eyeing. Of course, I got distracted by all the fabulous clothes—how could I not? I tried on a few pieces, but nothing screamed “take me home,” so I left empty-handed.

Not to be deterred, I popped into “Winners,” which is the Canadian version of TJMAXX. I’ve been on my workout grind since I arrived, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to pick up some new workout gear. And I’m so proud of myself for staying consistent! With my new gear in tow, I made my way back to the Canopy.

The rest of the day was spent finishing up work and planning for the upcoming week. A productive day indeed.

Stay tuned for more.