Saturday's Adventure: Find a Cafe Where I Can Drink Coffee, Read, and Write

In Eugene, there was never a shortage of coffee joints, many of which have free internet.  I have decided to write this blog and I may even attempt a children's book.  I just want to find a place where I can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and read my Nook or write on my  computer.  Unfortunately, I have found that there are a depressing number of decent coffee shops in this area: 1.

 I was excited because I heard wonderful things about a place called Sozo's Tea & Coffee.  I even drove by after hours and peeked in the window.  It looked like the perfect place for me to hang out.  When I got there today, I found that it just went out of business.  Total bummer!  So, I drove across town to a place called Empire Cafe.  The reviews on the internet said it had  a full coffee bar.  To my disappointment, it specialized as a bread and wine bar.  The coffee was available, but they only offered whole milk, that doesn't work for someone who doesn't drink milk.  They didn't even have Italian Sodas!  It was pretentious, and while they had good food, the menu was limited and there was no internet.  Also, I never got my coffee...

Stop number 3 for the day took me to Books By The Bay.  This is a small, local bookstore that also has a cafe inside.  It has good food, decent coffee, and a good selection of books for its size.  Internet access is available and I am writing from this location as we speak.  I think this is going to be my regular hang out, unless something new and better pops up.  They don't have a lot of vegetarian options for snackie foods, but it's a nice place.  My only draw back is that I feel weird reading my Nook in a small bookstore since Nooks are one of the main reasons places like this are going out of business.  Today, there was an author discussing her book about motorcycle touring.  I was surprised to see that almost the entire audience was 50+ year  old women.  I wonder how many of them actually ride motorcycles?

The only other place I have found is Kafe 101.  I actually avoid this place because it makes me uncomfortable.  It is clearly owned by a very religious Christian family.  I don't have a problem with people being religious, but I do have a problem when it is shoved in my face.  This place has baskets of Bibles on the floor so that you can do Bible Study as groups or individuals while you enjoy your coffee.  There are also Bible quotes on the wall and a Christian bookstore inside.  I imagine that this would be a wonderful place if you like that sort of thing.  I, however, feel like I am being excluded because I am not a religious person.  It serves as a constant reminder that this is not a place where I belong and I feel uncomfortable spending any amount of time in a place where I am not wanted or valued for who I am.  Needless to say, this will not be my regular hangout.

For now, I am happy with Books By The Bay.  I will continue to look for something that is a little bit more ideal, but this will do.  It's about 2 miles from my house, so maybe I'll start walking down here as part of my exercise routine.

Cheers!
Ashley