England: Annelise Eichholz (Observation)

Program: UW Global Launch in London, Academic Year

A dreary Saturday afternoon is the perfect time to go cozy up in a cafe. That’s what I thought to myself earlier today, so I packed up my backpack and walked over to my favorite neighborhood coffee shop, Urban Baristas. I usually come to Urban Baristas to study, but today I came to people watch. Upon arrival, I found the small cafe to be nearly full. Almost all of the tables were occupied and there was a handful of customers waiting to receive their orders. As I placed my order, I recognized the barista as the employee who served me the first time I visited this cafe. He was brand new to the job at that point, but now I can tell that he is becoming more confident in his abilities as well as his customer service skills. I ordered my usual iced matcha and then sat at one of the only open tables.

At the table on my left, there was a young English couple who appeared to be on a date. They were both dressed in cozy-looking, stylish sweaters and the man had on a funny pair of croissant-patterned socks. At one point, I overheard them discussing Mount Rushmore. It was fascinating to hear them discuss my home country as a foreign place. To them, I probably just looked like any other London student. Just as I know next to nothing about their identities, they have no clue that I am an American. They also have no idea that at this very moment, I am writing about them. I find this anonymity equally bizarre and exhilarating.

On my right, there were two women dressed in cozy sweaters and jackets. I overheard them speaking French, which made me wonder if they are from France or from another French-speaking country? I am curious about what brings them to London. Are they permanent residents or are they here temporarily, like me? Perhaps I should have struck up a conversation with them to find out. At the very least, it would have been a good opportunity to practice my French, seeing as I am a bit rusty.

My favorite interaction happened as I was walking out of the cafe. As I bid the employees farewell, the barista generously offered me a free piece of banana bread! What a lovely way to end my cozy afternoon.