Anyone who frequents coffee shops has their favorite "Spot."
It's the combination of the taste of the coffee, the baristas who tend the place, the food (if they have it), the atmosphere of the place, and the other people who frequent the spot.
Back in the States, my place was Cottonwood Bistro. The coffee was great, the food outstanding, you could strike up a conversation with any of the baristas and some would know my usual order, the atmosphere was quieter than many busy coffee shops but the place wasn't ever dead, and I would usually see someone I knew or I would meet someone new.
I spent hours there. Reading, journaling, studying, working on my thesis, and sharing life with some amazing women.
Coming to Naju, I was on the lookout for the place that would be my new "Spot."
Dunkin Donuts, although nicer than any American Dunkin Donuts, was the really busy place. They have an awesome ham, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, but with people constantly coming and going, it bordered on chaotic.
An new place run by Australian national, that opened just down the street from my apartment. Because of that, you can run into English speakers when you are there, but the coffee wasn't that great, and for some reason, it felt tense.
Then I found it. Yedam Coffee. (Actually it's Coffee Yedam, but its more fun to say it the other way) It is run by the Aunt of one of the students at the academy. She doesn't speak any English, but she is kind and patient with this foreigner. The coffee is great. The muffins are awesome and in traditional Korean hospitality, occasionally I get some free fruit or crackers. The place is busy but there is a calm, warm feeling. I love going there to sit, read, think, pray and journal about this whole experience.
I have my spot. Where's yours?
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