Cafe Sureia

Mmmmmm. Chai Tea. They claim that it's the best in the city. I'm here to confirm that it's my new favorite chai tea ever on the face of the earth. I've only been around for a short number of years, 24 years and 7 months to be exact, but I am loving this chai tea! Cafe Sureia is located in my neighborhood, Brookland, which is in Northeast Washington D.C. Not upscale by any means, but not the slums. (Brookland that is) We have, one organic grocery store that is fun, a few gas stations, a metro stop, a drug store, a few carry out joints, a very hazardous hardware store (that is another story for another time), anyway, you name it, we can probablyl find it in Brookland.

Cafe Sureia is owned and ran by a family of Ethiopians, I love them. They know me, they are sweet and friendly, and by the looks of things this Saturday afternoon, they make pretty good business. I'm sure there is a success story waiting to be told here! The picture I have posted is a goofy picture of my good friend Melissa and I enjoying a study break while we are at the cafe. This is one of the many places in the city that offer free wifi, so it's nice to come here and get out of the house, but not be too far away and NOT have to use your travel money...but use those two feed that momma gave ya to get here! Here you can purchase, breakfast or lunch. The only downfall, which for me is HUGE, is the fact that they close at 6pm. I'd spend all my money here if they were open late at night....perfect little place to come when one is bored for sure. They have a bathroom...so basically, all that anyone needs to survive: chai tea, food (breakfast or lunch), bathroom, wifi, tables, chairs, couches, ect.

I have about a month left here in NE DC before they kick me out. Uh-so sad. This morning when I was walking to Sureia, I was walking alone up the 12th street, and I am always amazed at the fact that I really just love the city. I love the feel of always something happening, even if I'm not a part of it. The cars zooming past, the crosswalks, the people, the sidewalks. I love it. I feel as though I'm closer to reality when I'm in a city. I'm aware of this world here. Aware that homlessness is real, poverity is real, hunger is real, violence happens all the time, life is possible without a car, a large home, or television, and public transportation is the common part of everyones life. I'm actually tearing up thinking about leaving here. This was my first chance to live in a city for longer than 2 or 3 weeks and I unknowingly fell in love with this place I used to call a dump. I've become so much more interested in my country while I've been here not only because decisions are made that effect my whole country no more than 15 minutes away from where I sleep at night, but because people here thrive on it. They breathe it each and everyday at my work, at my house, and school. Washington D.C., despite what so many people think, has the class of the north and charm of the south. A perfect balance for someone just getting their feet wet in a big city. There are, of course, things that no big city can compinsate for the smaller community that I grew up in. Friendliness always go a long way anywhere you go, but it sometimes doesn't help in a larger city, even the southern charmed D.C. but you do, however, find those who are friendly and are willing. There is still a lot of hope for this city yet!

Well. I will add more and edit this entry, but I am being distracted at the traffic outside the window of the cafe. I'm such a people watcher! :)