For me, one of the most fascinating aspects of exploring diverse cultures is observing how ordinary and sometimes even insignificant things can 1 from place to place. The coffee culture is a great example. I love sharing with people how Shanghai is a perfect 2 for me for many reasons, and coffee is one of them.
After I returned to China in September 2022 to study at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, I soon developed a(n) 3 with two other international students. During the lunch break, we would have a cup of coffee at the campus cafe every day. What we 4 was that people did not work during that coffee break; instead, they 5 savored (享受) their conversations over coffee. So, for us too, it felt wrong to continue our studies at the coffee shop and thereby disrupt the 6 .
Perhaps drawn by this 7 energy, more students joined us day by day, and our group of three became a big party. Coffee 8 us as we greeted newcomers and got familiar with other local students. I feel this is how the coffee culture 9 here — to make people a little bit happier, and to 10 you up when you feel cold.
That's why I always prefer to get my coffee 11 instead of ordering online — for the sake of 12 the general mood of the place. It is not something 13 ; it's a feeling in the air that makes you want to come, 14 it in, and be nourished by the good energy. It's like an upbeat song from your childhood — once you 15 it, you start smiling.
