September 2023

GRAPEVINE

Cafes Everywhere – Michael Henderson

Issue No. 16

Back to School – Katelyn Sondereker

Do you often go to cafes? I think they’re one of myFor most children in America, September meansfavorite places to be. I love the sounds, smells, andgoing back to school after a loooong (almost two andatmosphere (雰囲気). I always feel really calm in cafes,

a half months!) summer vacation. Because students

and can focus hard on my work. When I worked athave been away from school for so long, there is a lotStarbucks, I liked working in the evenings because it

to do to prepare (準備する) for the next school year.

was slow, and I could enjoy being in a café space while

For example, elementary school students will get aworking. Even in Japan I will often be at Starbucks

new teacher and new classmates. The teacher will

studying, and trying new menu items that aren’t sold

usually give parents a “Back to School” shopping list,in America (the menus are quite different!).

and parents will go to the store to buy all of the school

While there are Starbucks both in Japan andsupplies ( 学 校 用 品 ) their child needs for theAmerica, I think the general vibe (雰囲気) of cafes are

beginning of the school year. Of course, the list willa little different. Japanese cafes are often clean (きれhave things like pencils and pens and scissors, butい) and chic (おしゃれ), while American cafes are

sometimes it will also have more expensive things likeoften rustic and artsy/artistic. In Japan, I think people

special kinds of calculators (電卓).

often go to cafes to hang out with friends, while inUnlike most kids (who don’t like school), I always

America, most cafes are filled with people studying

enjoyed going back to school shopping with my mom

for long hours. American cafes usually have large

in August! I could buy a new backpack and lunchbox,

spaces with tables so people in groups can work

as well as new clothes and pretty school supplies. To

together. Of course, I still see people studying inthis day, seeing “Back to School” signs in the store in

Japan, and I see people eating with their friends inAugust and September makes me feel very nostalgic

America. However, when I first came to Japan, I was(懐かしい). I think part of it is because the new school

surprised at how different the café and coffee shop

year made me feel excited for a new beginning and aculture is!

fresh start.

Seattle is famous for coffee, so there are plenty ofI think it is important to remember that you cancafes everywhere. It’s definitely the best part about it.

always have a fresh start. Sometimes, we feel like weIn Japan, there are many cafes too which I like goingare stuck (出られない) and unable to move, but evento, and my absolute favorite café in Japan (and maybe

if we feel that way, it isn’t always true. No matterthe world) is 竹の熊 in 南小国. It was so calming,

where you are in life, just being alive means you havebeautiful, and uniquely Japanese. I don’t think I

so many opportunities. You can always take a deep

would ever find a similar café in America. If you arebreath, make a list

ever close to 南小国, I strongly recommend you visit.

of what you need,

You won’t regret it!

and begin again.

Kate waiting forthe school bus
when she was inkindergarten(幼稚園).

No Summer Homework!
In America, we usually don’t
have ANY summer homework,
even though our summer
vacation is very long! Even in
middle school and high school,
I rarely had any summer
homework.
What do you think about this?
Come talk to us about it!
paragraph: 段落

Pumpkin Patches
Have you ever heard of a pumpkin patch?
They are farms (農場) that sell a lot ofpumpkins during autumn. Families will go
and pick out (選ぶ) pumpkins to take home.
Pumpkin patches often have other activities
such as hayrides, (a tractor (トラクター)
pulls a wagon (ワゴン) with people sittingon hay (干し草)), petting zoos, and photospots. Sometimes there will be food anddrinks such as hot apple cider available.

Kids goingon a hayride