Well, I have made it safely to Korea.  The first two weeks have gone extremely smoothly.  I am so happy I decided to come back.  I’ve visited with friends I haven’t seen in more than two years, and made some new friends (mostly with my students, who are all adorable.)

Maybe it’s a sign that I am getting older, but my first stop in my new town was to find a favorite coffee shop.  Eventually, I will find a favorite bar, but I’ll wait until my friends are older than 12.  🙂

One of the things that surprised me when I came to Korea for the first time, was how many coffee shops there are.  There are coffee shops everywhere!  A coffee shop on every corner is not far off from the truth, as I am looking out the window of my cafe, and looking at another cafe across the intersection.  Tea is not as common as I had assumed it would be.  It’s all about the coffee, which for me means it’s all about the iced mochas.  One great trait of coffee shops here is they make mocha with espresso and hot cocoa mix, which makes it richer and chocolaty-er (chocolatier??) Anyway.  It’s delicious.

So, I’ve found my cafe.  It’s a 5-10 minute walk from my apartment… and I pass at least 4 coffee shops on the way, but this one is totally worth the distance.  Because it’s full of flowers.

Lily Cafe is not just a wonderful, small, independent cafe, but also a flower shop.  So while you’re enjoying a delicious coffee beverage, you can also buy some of their flowers.  🙂

There are tons of cute flowers and great vintage home-y things to decorate your home with.

I like this cafe because I’ve rarely been there when it is very busy.  It’s always a calm place to sit and relax for a little while.  Also, all the flowers kind of block your view of the rest of the cafe, making it feel more private and intimate.

In addition to everything else, Lily also has a small selection of vintage clothes and jewelry for sale.  They also have snacks.  I have foregone all the snacks except the really-should-be-illegal- they’re-so-delicious brownie cookies.  Which are basically sugar cookies baked around brownies.

You know it’s going to be a good day when it starts off like this!

So, if you’re ever in Osan looking for me.  You can find me here most weekend afternoons.  And even if you’re not looking for me.  If you find yourself in Osan at any point, it’s worth a stop.