Game City

Dear GC Fam,
As the year wraps up, I have been thinking about how all of this started... how we started.
Maybe the first time we met was over a quick morning coffee while you were rushing to work or maybe it was a quiet afternoon when you wandered in just to escape for a moment. At the time, we were just two people sharing a counter and a cup or maybe you were just curious and walked into my café and we connected over a shared interest and coffee.
But somewhere along the way, something changed.
I don’t know the exact moment we shifted from “acquainted” to “friends,” but I felt it. Maybe it was when our chats got a little longer, or when your usual became second nature. Maybe it was when we started laughing at the same jokes—those inside jokes that no one else would ever understand. Or maybe it was simply the day you opened up a little… and I did too.
You have shown me who you really are over this year—your humour, your kindness, your struggles, and your wins. And you have trusted me enough that I could share my own dreams and fears with you, even the ones I don’t always say out loud. There aren’t many places in life where that kind of honesty happens naturally, but somehow, it happened here and I am truly grateful for that.
We have stood up for each other in small, quiet ways—those moments that don’t make noise but matter more than anyone realises.
And it makes me wonder sometimes:
Can you count on me the way I count on you?
Because I want you to. Truly.
We have built this little circle together—customers, staff, friends, regulars who became family without announcing it. We make space for each other. We move around each other’s busy days. We navigate life’s ups and downs together, almost like a dance toward some shared centre we didn’t plan but somehow found. And here is the honest truth: If you weren’t here… I’d miss you. More than you probably know.
Thank you for being part of me and my café this year.
Thank you for letting this place mean something to you.
Here is to another year of connection, laughter, generosity, and showing up for each other - one cup at a time.
Merry Christmas and New Years.
❤️,
Mesh

Coffee Adventures at 2800 meters above sea level - Discovering Taiwan's Hidden Coffee Gems

Just had the most incredible experience learning about green coffee production from a microlot farmer in Taiwan. While surrounded by vast tea estates, I discovered a remarkable coffee operation run by three generations of indigenous women.

Mrs. Cewana, a 2nd generation coffee farmer whose family tends to their mountainside farm completely by hand. After attempting to pick coffee cherries myself (and barely surviving the climb!), I have new found respect for their dedication.

What blew my mind:
• This region was traditionally bamboo country before tea arrived 7-8 generations ago, with coffee following just 3-4 generations back
• The entire farm is organic and nourished by ancient mountain springs that hold deep cultural significance
• At 2800masl, the altitude creates distinctly sweeter coffee profiles
• Got to experience their washed, natural, and honey processing and drying methods firsthand.

Here is my tip: Never tell a coffee farmer you're a barista... unless you're ready to brew! (Which of course I was happy to do 😊)

Dear Beloved GC Family,
As I sit down to write this letter, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and warmth for each one of you. In this festive season, I want to express not just holiday wishes, but my deepest appreciation for our beautiful community. Your generous spirits and kind hearts have made our space so much more than just a destination; you have made it a home.
I know this year has brought its share of challenges for many of us. Please know that I have listened to your stories, shared in your struggles, and been moved by your resilience. You have also been there supporting me when I needed it. This year I have lost customers and friends, some to illness. Memories of the happy times and their courage lives on.
To everyone who has chosen to make us part of their special moments, whether it's your daily ritual or celebrated occasions – thank you. Your trust and loyalty mean everything to me. And yes, I can't help but smile thinking about your "usuals" – those familiar orders that have become part of our shared story. 😊
As we look toward the new year, I am filled with excitement about continuing this journey together. May your Christmas be filled with joy, and may 2025 bring you countless moments of happiness and peace.
With heartfelt love and gratitude,
Mesh
P.S. We are closed on Christmas Day, but will be open on Boxing Day – being our last day of trade for the year.
Your "usuals" will be waiting for you, just the way you like them when we reopen on the 6th of January.