New Businesses

In Korea, when a new store, restaurant, or business of any kind opens up, friends send flowers. 

I’m not just talking about a nice bouquet, I’m talking gorgeous potted plants, huge displays (like what you would see at a funeral), and fancy flower arrangements.  They are initially placed outside on the sidewalk to help announce the new shop.  But, many of the potted plants have the added bonus of adorning the inside once the grand opening is done.

My picture does not do the size of this justice.  It is like 6 feet tall! The left side of the ribbon says the giver’s name and the right side says ‘Congratulations!’  This is the customary ribbon layout on all plants.

 

There is a new coffee shop open just 3 blocks from our apartment.  (Did someone clue them in that we caffeine-addicted Americans were moving in?)  This places makes the BEST Americano that we have had in South Korea.  The owner is Sophia and she does everything with such precision and care.  The way she makes coffee would make even my dad (The Coffee King) proud. 

  The Americano is served with heavy whipping cream (the first coffee shop to have cream! … we were excited), a bowl of sugar, and a cup of water. The oatmeal raisin cookies are YUM.