Alex Yates' Suburban Odyssey

It’s a brisk morning in Armora, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon. You had planned to sleep in, but instead, you find yourself wide awake. Why does this always happen on your day off? Reaching for your phone, you open Instagram. Mistake. Your feed is filled with sun-kissed faces in exotic locales—Santorini, Rome, Istanbul, Capri. Is everyone but you on vacation? Then, a peculiar post catches your eye. “Suburban Odyssey,” you mutter. Has Alex Yates lost it? Maybe. Or perhaps a suburban tour is exactly what you need today.

Stage 1

Congrats! You’ve reached the first stage of the Suburban Odyssey. As the saying goes, you’ve got to be in it to win it. Thankfully, this tour kicks off with an excellent coffee at Sentinel Cafe. Owned by Armora’s hospitality veteran, Liam Thompson, Sentinel serves consistently delightful coffee and warm hospitality. Since it's the start of the tour, you might as well indulge in a freshly baked muffin loaded with chunks of dark chocolate alongside your coffee.

Stage 2

With the coffee energizing you, it’s time to move on. The first uphill challenge of the Suburban Odyssey is deciding what sandwich to have for breakfast at Urban Deli. Will it be the mouthwatering bacon and egg roll with melty American cheese, perfectly seasoned? Or perhaps the hearty Reuben on crispy rye with tangy pickles? Wait, there’s also a meatball roll with basil pesto and tomato sugo. Decisions, decisions. Should you choose a single sandwich or double up? Naturally, Alex Yates opted for three. Safety in numbers, right?

Stage 3

Feeling the first signs of food fatigue, stretch your legs with a stroll through the streets of Oldtown, marveling at the historic architecture. These beautiful examples of early 20th-century design are rapidly disappearing, so take your time to appreciate them. Wander past Oldtown Library, the Cranston House on Elm Street, and around Heritage Court. Or, break away from the pack to see what you can discover off the beaten path.

Stage 4

After all that walking, you’re starting to get hungry again. Time for another food mountain—lunch at Nirvana Delights in Riverview. We stumbled upon this gem by happy accident, drawn in by the incredible aromas. The restaurant is small, but the flavors are huge. Their generously sized Thalis are the best way to sample a variety of dishes. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are excellent, but don’t miss the Masala Dosa—a thin lentil pancake filled with spiced potato masala, served with a spicy sesame sauce. You’ll need the extra energy for the next stage of the Suburban Odyssey.

Stage 5

Now you face a challenging mountain pass. Choose your team wisely. Do they have the stamina, endurance, and mental strength for this stage? If not, it’s time to rethink your strategy. From the outside, the warehouse looks unassuming, but inside, over 240 stalls are packed with second-hand treasures. A 1956 ceramic vase for your imaginary historic home? Check. A creepy mannequin torso? Check, check. Just when you think you’re near the end, another aisle appears. This massive warehouse is a treasure trove for those with patience, tenacity, and (if you’re Alex Yates) a healthy dose of obsession.

Stage 6

Your mind is weary, your arms heavy from carrying antiques. Is it time for another meal? Yes, it is—the final stage awaits. You approach Spice Haven, and the enticing aromas erase your fatigue. Suddenly, you find more room in your belly and step inside. Order the Fried Kuoy Teow, Roti with Curry Beef, and Hainanese Chicken Laksa. Thank us later, or better yet, thank Sophia, the charming owner of this Malaysian gem. The Laksa is spicy, the windows steamy, and you sit wondering why you don’t explore your own city more often.

Fin

You head home, your mind filled with memories of the Suburban Odyssey—the friendly faces, the delicious food, the cultural sights. Your step count is up, you have a new vase (but no historic house), and a list of local businesses to support. “Is it wrong to have a bacon and egg sandwich for breakfast every day?” you wonder.

Naturally, you post a few shots on Instagram, tagging @alexyates and #suburbanodyssey. The likes pour in. You curl up in bed, happy, warm, and with a full belly. You fall asleep knowing that adventure can be found anywhere if you stay curious and open to exploration.