It’s fascinating how often people mistake me for someone else, or try to convince me that they know me. In a small bookshop in Basel, Switzerland at the end of January 2023, I walked in the door as Claudia. The owner apologized for her mistake, but I found the whole situation as beautiful as the notebook I took from the shop. Ordinarily graceful at first glance, but colorfully filled inside with an orange grid that matched the cover. Carta Pura. Made in Munich, I read, and I hope to pop into a store selling this brand some day. Like Claudia entered this lovely place in Basel.

Exactly one year later, I’m running around Munich with a shopping spree and saving the best surprise for last. As I come in, I see a strange combination of minimalist cleanliness and a plethora of paternos all around. The charming shop Carta Pura combines the sale of brands from all over the world with its own products. And it does so with artisanal precision. Trend-defying. The best value lies in the ubiquitous papers with patterns akin to wallpaper. From Germany and Japan. And there are plenty of envelopes, too. After a very long time, when I choose what I really want, I approach the lady behind the analog vintage cash register and let her count everything on the paper next to her. Without a calculator. And then I’ll just be surprised to find out that you can also pay by card. Pure happiness.