As much as I hate its corporate, commercial, excessive-placement-on-every-street-corner factor, when it comes to living in China, there's something truly and deeply comforting about a Starbucks. After smelly buses and near-death encounters with motor-bikes, walking through the doors of a Starbucks is like walking into an American time-capsule (albeit one solely occupied by Chinese people). The furniture, the decor, the music--it's all the same. So even though my internet doesn't work because alas, China hates Macintosh, I can sit by the window with my computer, my cup of Verona, and breathe deep. And somehow, although I never would have guessed it, the sound of the blender cranking out over-priced frappuccinos is oddly comforting.
So no, I don't want to be one of those laowai (foreigners) who spends all of their time in Starbucks. But you know what? I think escapism every once in a while is A-Okay. I'll pay 20 kuai for that, especially when it comes with skim milk. Such luxury!
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We just finished midterms over here, and now have a week long fall break. I have plans to reconnect with one of my friends from Bologna who is also studying here in China (imagine that!), and will be traveling around the area. I'll fill you in when I get back--I should have some interesting stories!
Have a wonderful break - I am SURE you studied hard and now need a rest after midterms, if high-school-Nicole is an indicator :-) I hope your travels go beautifully and that you have LOTS to write about when you return!
ReplyDeleteThank you for alleviating my fear that you will never come back, even if it is just for a cup of Verona. I miss you terribly and I hope that we can skype soon!
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