Cornerstone

Qufu didn't have a coffee house. Okay, there was one, but trust me, it really didn't count. It was more of a restaurant with overpriced drinks, and they happened to be the only place in town that sold non-instant coffee. Changchun has many coffee houses. There is just something great about sitting in a coffee shop doing homework, writing e-mails, or meeting a friend.

Chip and I have made it a habit to go study at Cornerstone Cafe, a local coffee shop, once a week. This particular coffee shop is supported by one of the local three-self churches. It's a bookstore and coffee shop in one. It's clean, they play great music, and the brownies cost about 50cents.

I took my language partner and friend, Flora, to Cornerstone yesterday. She asked me what I usually order and before I could answer the server said, "Americano." What can I say? I feel like a regular.

Flora enjoying her cappuccino and cinnamon cookie--it was her first time to taste cinnamon.

Flora really enjoyed Cornerstone, too. In fact, we stayed there for four hours talking. After living for a year in a place without many comforts, I am so grateful to have a place like Cornerstone Cafe.