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.
2 comments:
Erin,
This is a cool spot to observe and I'm excited to see what you come up with. I like the way you are looking at this as an opportunity to become a part of the culture, working your way from the outside in. What about the layout of the restaurant makes you think you'll be sidetracked? Could this layout be a vital part of your observations? Or is there something else that you're thinking about? Feel free to move about within the environment to view it at different angles. Also, you might take notice of which art is on the walls--it may not be the same a few weeks from now. As you continue blogging, can you show more of what you see in addition to these reactions?
K
I have never been to or even heard of this place before. You make it seem very interesting though. I think I may have to go check it out sometime. That is with my bad sence of direction and knowing where nothing is around here that I can even find it. Good luck observing though maybe Ill see you there sometime.
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