Wireless Cafes. One of the best things ever invented. With free wireless internet.

In the past year with my powerbook, I have absolutely fallen in love with these things. I like studying in atmospheres like this. Mugs clanging. Spoons swishing within the coffee. Looking for that caffiene kick. Quiet typing, lost inside a world static on a 2-d screen. Flipping of pages, a room full of concentration and strains of what did the professor say about this chapter? and what movie do you want to see tonight? I like sitting back in a comfy chair there with my laptop…or simply people-watching (or overhearing random conversations).

In Pittsburgh, I usually would be found at Panera during midterms/finals week (more so this year than last). And with my handy iPass (thank you CMU), I would sometimes be at Starbucks. The 61c cafe, despite it absolutely wonderful teas and music, just couldn\’t do it.

So during winter break, I have rediscovered the cafes in Berkeley/Oakland. At Cal, I didn\’t have a laptop and usually went to a cafe to study. I rarely bought anything, me frugal and cheap. Nowadays though, I go…and always order either a cup or pot of Darjeeling Tea, the champagne of teas. Usually black. I would usually get non-fat milk and sprinkle sugar (one lump please). Then end up losing myself.

Today after lunch and dessert time with Lulu in Rockridge, I had a few hours to spare before I was to meet with Chris. Driving back and forth from Oakland to Lafayette has never been very appetizing, considering the traffic at the Caldecott that can build up and disappear within an hour. So time for rediscovery.

Thanks to eastbayexpress.com, I am currently at Nomad Cafe in Berkeley. The service was surprisingly nice and friendly. Not like the common this-is-for-locals type of cafe. They have a small section with kid\’s books and best of all…many power outlets, usually lacking in most cafes. The cafe was completely full and I ended up sitting outside in the heat which cooled during the day. Finally some room was free inside and I went inside to a large armrest. The music inside is foreign with tastes of foreign…an ambience that lends to the cafe\’s name, yet comfortable at the same time. Like a new friend from another country, finding that you have something in common and the same sense of humor.