Thursday, November 23, 2017

Coffee Seal



The main street in my hometown  has several centers with shops and offices, one of them named Sharon Center. The front of this building, facing the street, is a double attraction: a McDonalds and a coffee shop named Hotam Hakafe (Coffee Seal - in english translation from hebrew).





Two things make the above cafe special: one, the owner is a known expert on coffee and everything related to it; two, the place regularly hosts cultural events (lectures and music performances) enjoyed not only by customers, but also by passersby.The facade, and one side of the cafe, are all glass, so this enables people to view and hear the singers and instrument players that perform inside.


The coffee shop is tiny, but well designed. 
The back, green wall has at its one end a high quality coffee machine, glasses, cups and  light food items (pastry, snacks); at the other end - built in wood boxes and shelves displaying a variety of coffee brands. Some tables and chairs inside and outside complete the arrangement.



I love coffee. When I was young, I used to drink black strong coffee; later on, I switched to Nescafe (red mug) with a little milk. I prefer the decaffeinated version, but it's very expensive in our parts.
When I'm out, I usually have a cappucino. Most coffee shops make a decent cappucino.

Coffe shops always remind me of the last military campaign we had some three years ago. I was in Tel Aviv city near a cafe, when the alarm started to 'yell' and people were running for shelter; three men were sitting around a table outside, chatting and drinking as if nothing was happening around.

I threw an inquisitive look in their direction; one of them said to me laconically "if I am to die at least it'll be at my favorite cafe".
I thought then, and I think now, it was stupid , conceited behaviour on his part.

28 comments:

  1. I am sure that mans family would have given him a talking to had they known he had not taken cover for the sake of his coffee.

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    1. Sadly, some people don't care what family think or want.

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  2. Alarms. Oh, my that must be difficult but I'm sure the people know the drill. Well, some do! Do you ever get use to the tension of living with alarms? I like coffee too but have to pass on the fancy lattes due to allergy to dairy. I always get the "coffee of the day" and I'm happy. I like the idea of coffee and entertainment though!

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    1. One never gets used to alarms. Alarms are the way to tell you that a rocket might be on its way to your place.
      Great idea indeed - coffee and entertainment.It's quite common in Europe.

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  3. It must be hard living in a country which still has war time conditions. I appreciate the peace that we have here.

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  4. Indeed, it is. hard to constantly live under security threats and undergo war from time to time.

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  5. This coffee shop does look well designed. It makes me want a cup! Yes it must be difficult to live under alarms etc...

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    1. It's an atmospheric little cafe where you can sit inside or outside, have a cup and look through the glass to watch the passersby or sometimes the performers inside.

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  6. Replies
    1. I think the guy was just irresponsible, regardless of his love for coffee and for the particular coffee shop.

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  7. Coffee is my favorite drink too ! I drink South Indian "degree" coffee with a nice aroma. It contains with a dash of milk & half a teaspoon of sugar too. Any Indian restaurants in Tel Aviv ?
    Coincidentally ate out at McDonalds last night - burgers & fries :)And just finished reading a book "House of Spies" by Daniel Silva. The book starts with a setting of espionage at King Saul Boulevard, Tel Aviv. Does such a boulevard actually exist there?

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    1. Yes, there's a Saul boulevard in Tel-Aviv; as far as I know, it has an indian restaurant called Indira.
      I know of another indian restaurant, it's called Tandoori, on Zamenof street. I've never eaten at any indian restaurant, although I'm generally a fan of indian products.

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  8. I love good coffee, too!
    We are back from the south. I'm so happy to actually have some travel tales. Many bloggers have wonderful experiences, like you!

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    1. There are quite a few quotes and lyrics about people's love for coffee. Good coffee is one's best company.

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  9. This café sounds like it would be right up my alley. ; ) That looks like chalkboard drawings on the wall. It sounds like a lively, popular place to get a nice cup of coffee. I didn't know you liked coffee so much, Duta. I'm a coffee lover as well.....not too strong, and with a bit of cream. Do you go here often?

    ~Sheri

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    1. "Lively and popular" - describe this place perfectly. Me, I love mostly the coffee I make at home.

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  10. Our morning coffee is a daily luxury I'll never take for granted.
    I can certainly understand your reaction to that man's comment given such circumstances.
    That little cafe looks most inviting :D)

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    1. "inviting" indeed. It attracts people like magnet, although there are some more spacious cafes on this street.

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  11. I am just drinking coffee and reading your post. I love coffee too.

    Struck by the contrast between the peace in the shop,and then the alarm going off in the midst in the episode you shared.

    Praying that there will be peace today, that people in all Israel can enjoy the peace of sipping a cup of coffee and simple pleasures.

    Pray for the peace of Jerusalem---
    "May those who love you be at peace! May there be shalom within your walls--quietness within your palaces." --Psalm 122, 6~7

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    1. We israelis live under a big contrast: the small, daily little pleasures on the one side, and the big security/military threats on the other side.

      Thanks a lot for your prayer of peace.

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  12. I bought a little coffee-making machine for myself three or so years ago, and it's one of the best purchases I've made in a long while. I love the smell of coffee brewing.

    There are quite a few coffee shops/cafes here where I live, too...but I mostly make my own...and it's cheaper! I'm sounding mean, aren't I? :)

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    1. Clever purchase! Nothing compares to a self-made cup of coffee.It's both better and cheaper.

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  13. I was really into the neat vibe of this coffee shop and then your story added this twist to it that really made it real.

    As a writer, I often have to make my characters enjoy a place then make them return after they change and see it with their new eyes. This is exactly what you did for me in real life. Now, every time I walk into a coffee shop I will hear that fool content to die with his coffee in hand and I will wonder if such a place is where I want to die or if there is more for me to see in life.

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    1. I'm flattered that my story did that something to you.

      The young guy and his friends were probably trying to attract attention/admiration, but it was just foolish behaviour.

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  14. i'd love to have some coffee with you there! i always think your comments are interesting and I guess that I would have a lot to learn from you!

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  15. I too am a huge lover of coffee! Lattes are my favorite! What a sweet little shop. It always seems to me by your photos that you all take more time to enjoy life that we do here in California. The drive-thru is the big appeal to most of us. I need to remind myself to stop and take life easier and enjoy some coffee. I may invite some friends to coffee after work on day this week! Thanks for the post DUTA, very interesting!

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    1. Well, I'm retired and I love walking, contemplating, experiencing. If not now then when?
      It helps that the weather is good and allows a pleasant stroll outdoors.
      Thanks for your always nice comment.

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