A Cup of Love

The roaring cars, the murmurs of passing conversations, and the active people form a vivacious environment. The cool winter breezes goes through me causing me to pull my back leather jacket a little tighter to me, but the warm sun shining through the clear blue clouds hits my face and makes it rather joyous weather for a January day in San Francisco. I reach my destination, and pull the door to Starbucks. Instantly stepping into dim light, soft music, and a relaxing atmosphere.

My cognac colored boots steep onto the deep forest green carpet located in front of the door, and followed by two brown mosaic faux-stone steps leading to the main section of the café. Immediately, rich blends of dark roast coffee replaces the scent of smog and fumes. A black-countered kitchen island stands center in the room, adorned with tall steel containers distinguishing between a variety of milks-whole, half-and-half, low fat. An array of sugars and spices like cinnamon, chocolate, and nutmeg fill the counter, along with logoed napkins and long thin mixing sticks, all offering many choices to meet the customer’s needs. I walk around the sweetening station, and reach the cash register to make my order. An undecided couple stands in front of me, scanning the long list of drinks placed on the menu at the top of the register. I look over at the window full different decadent pastries and breakfast sandwiches, admiring the many choices to make as I wait my turn. Muffins, breads, scones- all tempting me to fall for their sugary delight. The lined waters, juices, and cold drinks below the window also catch my attention, and examine to see if any appeal to me. A petit shorthaired brunette then asks me if I’m ready to order. I place my order, and pay for it, then go sit down on a tall mahogany stool and wait for my drink to be ready. I observe costumers as they enter the building. They come. They order. They leave with caffeine.

The small space was filled with conversations, fingers lightly hitting keys, and cautious sips of hot beverages. There was a constant beeping of machines preparing drinks, but there was a calming silence that created a relaxing atmosphere. Impatient cars outside could silently be heard making a sound like a busy bumblebee’s fast paced wings beating, but the customers inside seemed to be moving at a leisurely pace. Every now and then the rushed shrieks seeped in the room as people entered, but the smooth music playing quickly drowned them out. The cold air rushing people in but the cozy room, warm drinks, and comfortable lounge area inviting them to stay. Loud city rumbles blasted outside, but the red bricks of the building silenced them inside.

The zooms, booms, and swoops, of the streets were turned downed in the building; and replaced with clicks of keys, swishes of pages, and slurs of sips. Bright dark red walls adorned with frames of coffee and exotic locations and cups and mugs and blends of coffees and posters advertising drinks, created a balanced mix of ethnic and urban. A big city full of variety: one small café packed with a clash of cultures. The tinted tall windows facing the streets were a reminder of the busy city life, with long lines of cars waiting their turn down the lumpy bumpy road. Different kinds of people of all shapes, colors, and sizes seated by each other sharing a common like: caffeine. All kinds of diversity- young and old, students and professionals, sophisticated and humble - gathered in one single room.

As I drink my tall Vanilla Latte on the mahogany stool, I have flashback of my early childhood. I remember being younger and waking up early every Sunday to walk to the Starbucks near my house with my dad, and occasionally my mom. I would order a Grande Hot Chocolate, and a savory bread. All week I would look forward to taking those trips with my dad. It was a time where we talked and bonded, sharing our common love for Starbucks. Our relationship grew much stronger, and so did our love for caffeine. The seasons would pass and the weather would change. From the cold winter to the warm summer, our walks always took place. Though as years passed and we got older, our weekly walks diminished. The days of my worriless childhood were replaced with stressful adolescent nights. When we do make trips, they become more special, I value them much more, and cherish all the time that we spend together.

An addicting, delicious, and warming drink that I passionately love, a drink that people all around the world cherish. A small little bean that cultivates into a cup of energy; and is inquired by many on a daily basis. Valued in different ways, by different people. Throughout various locations in the world a single cup of coffee means more than a drink. It’s a time to bond, relate, and spend time in family. Now it acts as the major lifeline to people, getting them through their day. Helping people stay up at night to finish a paper, and then helping them wake up from staying up too late. Having a nice relaxing place to enjoy your favorite drink and bond with friends, make new friends, or relax alone is truly valuable. Showing a cup of coffee goes a long way.

--Jennifer C.