To the Iowa City Coffee Shops,
You have filled me with joy, energy, and peace this past year. Whenever I needed a study spot, a not-too-quiet place to read, or just a quick coffee on the go, you were always there for me. Before leaving for my freshman year of school, I was filled with fear that I wouldn’t have a steady coffee shop because the closest Dunkin Donuts was over two miles away (a journey comparable to Frodo’s quest when you are a freshman without a car) and there was no way I was dropping five dollars on Starbucks every day. Luckily, I was blessed with my own coffee maker for Christmas my senior year, but I didn’t want to make coffee every day. Then, I discovered all of you little coffee shops staggered throughout Iowa City and I was saved.
Prairie Lights has many good moments I have shared in your little café. I must say you are my favorite. Your regular coffee is cheap but extremely satisfying and always just what I need. It is always the perfect volume of noise in your little corner above the bookstore—another reason why you are my true love when it comes to coffee shops. I have experience quality conversations and finished many papers whilst sitting in your small, square tables. The first time I attempted to do homework while looking out your window onto the downtown streets, I realized that I didn’t know the WiFi password and it wasn’t lying around anywhere. Being too afraid to actually approach the barista and ask for the password like a normal person, I decided to use my social awkwardness to my advantage and soon you became my homework spot. Free from distraction and Buzzfeed, I have finished many 10-page papers the day they were due in your company. You never fail to make me smile, Prairie Lights, and I’m glad to have returned to you.
Java House, while Prairie Lights may be my favorite, you were my first love. You were there for me from the moment I discovered your existence during freshman orientation and have stayed loyally by my side ever since. You are my reading coffee shop. I can always count on a fantastic latte and dozens of pages to be read in one of your comfy chairs. You warm me up with your delicious hot drinks during the frigid Midwest winters and cool me down with the $3 iced coffee that I enjoy while sitting outside on your patio enjoying a nice, spring day. You are truly a blessing.
Java Hawk Express, many don’t know of your existence, but you are my little secret. While the coffee is cheap and really just Starbucks brew, you are the only thing I need when it’s 9:25 and I’m on my way to the EPB for a 9:30 class. A quick stop in the IMU and I have my coffee for less than two dollars (or the glory days of when I had HawkDollars). You are my secret affair, my life saver, the reason I am able to participate in early morning classes. Our little, secret love will never die —I promise you that.
In the words of Whitney Houston, “I-i-i-i-i will always love you-u-u-u-u”. I missed you too much in the suburbs, IC coffee shops. It’s good to be back.
Love forever and always,
The Coffee Addict
