very nice article. Man you must have seen so many people. It really does sound like a rewarding experience.
Here in India its very different. people dont really look a the people working at cafes as someone you can talk to. And that is because the ones who are doing it, dont pride themselves in it. They feel ashamed that while india is skyrocketing economically, they are doing a menial job.
If only someone were to tell them that its a job none of us can do without, we could hope to have better relationships with them. sigh , hopefully someday.