It was a hot summer day and I just wanted to sit inside a place where it’s nice, cool and refreshing – before I start feeling really cranky. This one storefront’s bright pink exterior stood out from the other coffee shops and restaurants at this strip mall. And I love pink! So of course, I had to go inside.

To my delight, the store featured all these one-of-a-kind ice cold, tea-based bubble drinks. Milk tea pearl with pudding and red bean, oreo creme brulee, brown sugar pearl with mochi milk tea – the choices were endless. And yes, the interior of the store was also bathed in pink.

After picking up my order of taro and mochi black tea latte, I sat by the bench decorated with stuffed animals and cute pillows and took one big refreshing sip.

The cheerful interior was matched by the bright sounds of KPop music. I don’t understand the lyrics because I don’t speak Korean but I somehow found myself bopping along. And before I knew it, I was relaxed, calm, and cool.

As I was sipping and bopping along, I noticed more and more people coming in – friends, an elderly couple, a mom and her school-aged child. I watched them each take a sip of their drink and gleefully try each other’s drinks.

Before I got up to toss my empty cup, I glanced over the bench and noticed the two pillows next to me. “Happy Place” was embroidered on one pillow and “Together” on the other. What a fitting decor to best describe such a lovely, little bubble tea place – full of brightness, cheer, and delightful drinks that brings people together, or someone like me who just wants to cool down, relax and enjoy a moment to myself.

Who knew I would find my summer happy place at a small, local strip mall?

As a new year begins, may you all find your happy place – and enjoy it all by yourself or with those who bring light and joy in your life.

Happy New Year!