To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring — these are some of the rewards of the simple life.
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.”
― Johann Wolfgang von Goeth
Thereˋs something relaxing about looking at nice photos and nice things in general. They donˋt always need to be expensive or luxurious too-- most of the time I find myself enjoying images of well-composed vignettes of ordinary stuff, mostly pottery and interior design because it is mentally refreshing and therapeutic.
Same.energy is a rabbit hole of really calming images that you can search according to aesthetic style and sometimes I find myself staring at photo after photo of handmade dishes, ceramic spoons and incense holders, all done in the same earthy or neutral tones. All the while sipping coffee.
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
― Virginia Woolf
Brunch places are popping up left and right in the leafy neighborhoods of CQ. And I think I prefer them over the cafes because they serve serious food: Western-style breakfasts of French toasts, sausages or bacon and scrambled eggs, or hearty burgers paired with fries and shakes. You didnˋt have this kind of food this accessible a few years ago, when it was a choice between IKEA or Pizza Hut if you wanted anything that resembled Western food.
Sadly, I didnË‹t get a photo of the burger the husband ordered but the coffee was good and IË‹m looking forward to trying out their menu on the second visit. The interiors are definitely Western too, which is a surprise since our local friend told us that this is actually a part of a Taiwanese food chain. So go figure. And the husband likes it so much that he asked me to take a photo of him like he owns the place. ☺
But regardless of origins, the food looks decent and the area is one that is really conducive for walking after a good dinner, so this place is definitely on my list of Go-Tos when we have the time.
“This year’s vintage is best enjoyed this year. Let’s begin.”
― Gina Barreca
The post title is a mouthful, but I seriously got kissaten vibes when this little cafe came into view. It's located in a residential neighborhood just behind one of the bigger malls here, on the first floor of another older residential building. Grannies hang out right outside watching after babies in strollers. The streets are also tree-lined.
Itaewon wants to remind you that you can find Japanese retro with a South Korean twist here. More and more kissaten-inspired little cafes are popping up, old apartments turned inside out and cobbled together to create spaces with good coffee, cute cakes and retro memorabilia.
These spaces are Instagram-worthy little vignettes, the kind that reminded me of my lola and her rooms in her house with all the lace, perfume bottles and yellowed book pages doubling as wall-art.
The husband and I hung out by the window, and I enjoyed my cake with its dried fruit and crunchy sugar toppings as we looked at the grannies fanning themselves and sharing the day's news. We were part of that neighborhood for an hour and it felt good.
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not o...
