Cats and Cafe's

Around my neighborhood, stray cats and large pieces of furniture are often found littering the streets. When I was walking home this afternoon I stumbbled upon this sight as I was walking into my building. Good thing I carry my camera with me everywhere I go! When I first walked up, this cat was nicely sleeping on this abandoned half-a-sofa. I could resist smiling and snapping a picture. I thought it was pretty cute (minus the fact that this stray cat is not actually that cute). But I think it makes for a pretty good picture!

On a different note, I thought it was about time in my blog to honor my favorite place in my dong. I'm not actually completely sure of the name of it, so I just call it "The Cafe". I stumbled on it about a month or so ago. I had always passed it, but I had never actually been in it. One weekend when Robyn was in Daejeon I decided to check it out! I was worried that because it's such a small place that there wouldn't be any English, or the people who worked there wouldn't know any English. That really wouldn't be uncommon for my neighborhood, since very few people know English, but man was I pleasantly surprised!

Much to my joy and surprise, the owner/barista knows almost perfect English! I'm convinced that she must have studied overseas somewhere, because she even threw little English slang words in. The menu also is in both English and Korean, very rare for a small non-chain cafe! When we walked into the cafe I fell in love immediately. I loved everything about it, it's so cute, the prices are fairly reasonable, and she was playing some great English Music. (NO K-POP!) When I ordered my drink she gave me a stamp card, and I knew right then I'd become a regular :)

There are SO many cafe's in Korea, but for some reason this stands out as my favorite one I've been to since I've been here. The owner is very friendly, and everything I've had so far has been super delicious. I really love how she has decorated the place. There are (what used to be plain white) paper coffee cups on the counter with amazing drawings on them, chalk boards with great "Konglish" phrases, and just an odd assortment of artsy designs all around. It's very very small, but that kind of adds to the atmosphere, at least in my opinion.

Probably my favorite part of "The Cafe", is the little corner shown in the picture to the left. Oh yes, as any good cafe should, this cafe has a BOOK CORNER! This cute little corner with the stools and bears and books also doubles as a wifi corner. No cafe would be complete without a wifi corner! I haven't actually sat in the corner, because the weather has been too nice, but I'm sure I'll make it there once the weather gets a little cooler! There are even a few English books among the Korean books.





As I mentioned before, "The Cafe" has an amazing artsy feel to it. As you can see from this picture, the assortment of random Korean things and little art things the owner has put together really brings the feel of place together.






This picture shows the inside tables, as well as the little "patio" type arrangement the owner has going on. If you'll notice...she even has blankets on the back of the chairs outside for when it gets a little cooler at night or whatnot! What a great idea right!? (Can you tell I really love this place yet? haha)



On my afternoons off, I really enjoy going here and sitting outside (while I still can) and enjoying a great coffee, and reading my book or catching up on writing letters to all you lovely people back home! Another thing I really love about Korea is the adorable stationary they have here! I've bought so much of it! If you're reading this blog right now, there is a chance that some of that beautiful stationary will be coming your way in the near future :). Also, as you can see, right now I'm working on reading "Persuasion" by Jane Austen. Definitely a well spent afternoon!

So there you have it! A whole blog dedicated to (minus the first part about the crazy cat), one of my favorite places in my neighborhood! I love Tim Horton's, don't get me wrong! But I think I will miss all the great cafe's around here! As of today I'm half-way to getting a free coffee :) And I promise, if you visit me...I'll bring you here.

Peace and Love my friends.