The Alternative Store

During a sun storm stroll through Haji Lane on a sleepy Sunday, I was led by the gentle hand of serendipity to this soothing store and its friendly owners.
Living up to its name; being unique, whilst somehow evoking every common meme that defines the alternative genre.
I was looking for something, but to be clear, I wasn’t looking for anything in particular. When I saw it, I knew, I had to have it. So humble and gracious, yet surrounded by its brethren, the singing bowl was the shining beacon in the store. The only items with no clear price tag, I wondered if they were even «for sale».
My wondering led me to the owner who took me on a journey through heart chakras, tonality, and inner peace. His calm demeanour and friendly nature ensured that his knowledge transferred from him to me, in a smooth fashion. A transaction that once completed, was followed quickly by another… the purchase of the item I now knew how to use effectively.
Whilst my new friend carefully wrapped and packed the mix metal bowl and it’s wooden tuner my eyes spied a pair of stones that peaked my interest. An amalgamation of pinks, I inquired if they existed in another form, and after I explained why I need them, I was informed as to a more potent stone to achieve my aims.
This jet matte black slice of mineral subtly drew me in with its thin tactile touch; and it became an addition to my carefully wrapped package of brown paper.
The Alternative Store and its peaceful and knowledgeable owners, truly are an alternative calming influence in this crazy world filled with noise and distraction.
If you seek inner peach within; then seek the alternative store without.

Managed by the owners of the nearby Shisha café, Going Om, this store was set up when the café’s customers started asking where they could buy the ‘alibaba’ pants that is mostly associated with yoga.
They have a selected range of South-​East-​Asian– and Himalayan-​inspired clothing for both men and women. They also have accessories. On occasion, meditation and reading sessions are conducted here and at the café. The store targets a specific group of people who have a common interest in yoga, meditation, self-​improvement and simplicity. I found a few pants that I liked but they were not very cheap so I decided to come back when i’m not so broke.