I went to the Ugly Mug Cafe this afternoon to sit and observe the traffic. I sat in a well traveled area next to the cash register in one of the folding chairs. I chose to study the Ugly Mug because I find that I can relate to the clientel as well as the cashiers and other patrons of the Cafe. I think the cafe is pretty much fascinating and I love the layout and the overall atmosphere.
The cafe, from what I understand, is frequented by college students and commuters on their way to work. To stereotype these people are typically "free spirits" or "hippies". The cashiers are also college students. I'm an insider in this sense, I'm a college student and a commuter. I'm also considered a hippie or a free spirit.
I, however, do not yet have a regular time that I frequent the coffee shop, so I am not yet a regular customer and in this sense I am an outsider. I don't make inside jokes or converse with the cashiers yet about random goings on in the shop, community, school, etc.
I think I will be able to fit into the community quickly because this project will require me to become a regular customer. I think I have an open mind and I should be able to adapt quickly and blend in with the rest of the customers. The layout of the restaraunt may cause me to get sidetracked, but I'm sure that I can avoid that.
I'm looking forward to sitting in my black hoodie with a hot cup of ethiopian coffee and an onion with cream cheese bagel for the next six weeks. I really think I'm going to like this project.
