At least we're both rooting for Team Food

If I may, I'm going to go out on a limb and say this: Einstein's bagel/coffee combo is unbeatable and one of the best ways to start your day. So, what better place to meet with your conversation partner than the place with the freshly toasted and buttered bagels and vanilla hazelnut coffee (if you get there within two minutes after they put out a new batch before it's all gone)? Jeff and I met here instead of our usual Union Grounds rendezvous point on Saturday, and it was glorious.

I like meeting with Jeff, because our interactions are not awkward at all. We talk easily, and we are becoming more comfortable having casual conversations with each other. I look forward to speaking with him to see how his week is going; it provides a nice break from the hectic rush of classes and homework and tests.

Incidentally, Jeff told me that this past week he was present when one of his friends had his meeting with his conversation partner. He also explained to me how awkward it was, and that Jeff was actually trying to keep the conversation going! I think both of us are relieved that our conversations are not forced, although I do believe the awkwardness or lack thereof has everything to do with the participants' attitudes. Neither Jeff or I mind having these thirty minute conversations every week. Jeff especially is a really good sport about it, since he is supposed to be the one "learning" English (although his English is awesome!). So, it definitely makes a difference that both of us want to be there. Plus, meeting new people is always fun!

In addition to high-fiving ourselves about our lack of awkwardness, our conversation also centered largely around the topic of food. We both love food (I have sympathy for anyone who doesn't feel the same way) and probably could discuss it for hours. Jeff told me that his family teases him for not being as big a fan of seafood as the normal Taiwanese person, and I told him my family teases me for wanting to eat it all the time (especially sushi). We're pretty good at tag-teaming conversation. 

Since we share a love of good food, hopefully next week we will meet somewhere as delicious as Einstein's. One can only hope.