Mertine+Holland

HOME AWAY FROM HOME As I sat at the hardwood table nearest to the entrance of the busy, yet tranquil café the refreshing smell of fresh coffee beans permeated the air and the sound of a blender over road the clicks from the keypad of the seemingly diligent working student that sat one table away from me. The walls of the café added to the serene environment. The tans, maroon and chocolate brown colors made the space feel very homey and everyone that entered felt it… It was obvious. And not only by those who had taken their afternoon energizers to go with illuminating smiles on their faces, but especially by those who had made themselves comfortable; some whipping out their latest gadgets of technology and getting to work writing a paper, replying to e-mails, texting or just surfing the web. While others read the newspaper, dove into their novels or chatted with someone else nearby that was taking advantage of the facility and using it as their office space as well.  “Welcome to Starbucks, my name is Kate. What can I get for you today” the bubbly employee said. Standing only four feet from the ground wearing her green smock and hair pulled back into a ponytail similar to that of a military officer. The customer, delighted with the girl’s enthusiasm grind and asked for a Venti caramel frap, with extra drizzle and whip cream. “Coming right up” the kind girl replied as she grabbed one of the new “50% less plastic” cups and made note of the woman’s order on the side of it. Then taking great care Kate made the frap exactly how the customer liked it. First she put the caramel syrup around the perimeter of the cup, and then added the crushed ice and caramel goodness, and finally topped it off with whipped cream. “Here you are” said Kate handing the customer her drink. “Just the way you ordered it!” The customer quickly opened a straw as if she just couldn’t bear to wait any longer and after taking a long sip she nodded her head with satisfaction and thanked Kate. “Your welcome, have a nice day.”