Sometimes coffee shops are fun just for the human interaction. I mean making coffee in the back of a Land Rover is one thing but enjoying a sit down coffee and brekky in a bustling cafe on New Years Day can feel like a real treat.

We were visiting a mate housesitting a place overlooking the bay at Launderdale on Hobarts South Arm, but being starving, we stopped in for some food first. It was pretty crowded so we chose a cafe outside to enjoy our coffees.

It was pretty warm in the sun and Jamie was saying how he got pretty burnt the day before. We could kinda nestle back by the fence so the sun was off our faces at least.

Two older woman had the only shaded spot, so when they were about to leave they offered us their place. I went to get up, but Jamie said he was fine where he was and I wasn't bothered so I sat down again.

'But you're in the sun!' one of the woman exclaimed, looking at me, 'you should move!'

'I'm fine', I said, because I was.

'That's patriarchy at it's worst' she said firmly. I was gobsmacked.

'If I wanted to sit in the shade, lady, I'd be sitting in the shade. Dont be dissin' my husband' I retorted, surprised at the level of defensiveness I had for Jamie. I mean, patriarchy at it's worst? Seriously, what was she on?

'I'm big on the patriarchy at the moment', she said by way of apology. I assured her that I definitely had plenty of power in my relationship. She said she better get going before she caused any more trouble.

'No worries, sister, thanks for having my back!' I semi joked. It was the weirdest interaction just before the waitress bought our Jamie's eggs Benedict with bacon.

Mine was shakshuka - hard boiled eggs in a tomato and eggplant stew with halloumi and bread. Very good. I'd recommend Ventura's if you are down that way - the menu and lunch selection all looked amazing and the service was excellent, though obviously I hope you don't run into any patriarchy warriors, unless you need them of course. It's important we resist, ladies.

'We don't need to worry about gender at all do we?' he said, mopping up the last of his hollandaise sauce with bread. 'As long as you stay in the kitchen'.

With Love,

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