There is something magical about coffee shops.
The hustle and bustle of happily caffeinated customers and friendly baristas is juxtaposed with the relaxing vibes and the soothing music surrounding creating the “coffee shop aura”.
Sitting here, in a small quaint and lovely coffee place called the Atlas found on the campus of Walla Walla University, I find myself to be happier than in any other spot on campus.
Why is that I wonder?
For starters, there is something magical about iced chai. Until this year, I have disliked its flavor, but now, sitting at a small table in the Atlas, writing about my love for coffee shops, I have come to appreciate it. Secondly, the decorations in coffee shops are always intriguing. In the Atlas, you can find pictures of student missionaries on the walls, quaint windows, bookcases, comfortable sofas, lamps of unique design that always seem to mesmerize me, and old trunks for coffee tables.
Despite the beauty of the aura of coffee shops, the hustle and bustle is my favorite part. Especially on a college campus, familiar faces come and go – whether friends or foes – and the relaxed atmosphere is wonderful for making new friendships or being kind to those you do not necessarily like.
Just today, I walked in, and most of the tables were quite full – one young man was sitting at a table, drawing, and I asked if I could use the other half of the table. He very kindly allowed me to do so, and I did my homework quietly (every now and again looking to see how his drawing was progressing). He soon finished and was getting ready to leave, but turned to me and said before descending the stairs: “It was wonderful sharing a table with you!” I smiled at him and told him I liked his drawing (which now had become a painting). I don’t know his name or anything about him except for his exceptional artistic ability and friendly personality – but we shared a table in a coffee shop, and if ever I see him again, I will send a smile his way.
My experience today with this young man (along with many others of similar nature) is the reason I believe coffee shops are so magical.
They are not just beautifully decorated with great music, boasting of friendly workers and GREAT drinks. They are so much more. They are a place for people with similar interests to come together, and a place where perfect strangers can become instant friends.
Recently, I have been looking to make new friends. I never went into the Atlas during fall and winter quarter, and I have realized that going during spring quarter would be a wonderful way to meet new people.
Sure, I often sit alone – mesmerized by watching the magic take place. And still, the amount of interactions I have and smiles I share surpasses the amounts that take place anywhere else.
Coffee shops are magical. Disagree with me if you desire. If you’d like to take it up with me, you can find me in a corner of the Atlas with a smile in my heart, sipping on iced chai, reading Virginia Woolf, and making new friends.
