A Starbucks is a Starbucks....or is it?

On my list of coffee shops to explore there were 3 different Starbucks, however each Starbucks would contain the same drinks for the same prices, with the same type of ambiance. For this reason, instead of boring you by writing about each one I have put them all in one blog.

I will also admit right away that one of the most appealing things about Starbucks to me is the hours. Starbucks, even the ones that close at 11pm is open later than most coffee shops.

I will also tell you that the liberal hipster in me wants to not like Starbucks. I want to write it off as corporate, uninviting, unoriginal and not the slightest bit whimsical, but I just can't do it. I have never felt unwelcome at Starbucks, the lighting itself is soft and welcoming. The staff is friendly. Many coffee shops try to copy their drinks-I said many not all so please do not be offended.

The most important thing I like about Starbucks is the icon, the twin-tailed Mermaid. out of all the coffee shops I would say that this icon is the most whimsical of all. The mermaid that glows in the green light outside every Starbucks window or the green stamp on all the cups, always catch my attention. It fascinates me that this rare mythical creature is so widespread throughout the United States. This logo was actually chosen when the creators of Starbucks were studying coffee's sea faring origins. This image originally came from a 16th century Norse woodblock of a twin-tailed mermaid or siren. You can read about it here. If you never paid much attention to the mermaid, perhaps now you will...

As far as the different Starbucks locations go....there isn't a big difference.

The Arborland Location:

• Big plus is that they are open 24 hours, I have been here at all hours of the night and morning. It's nice to have a place to go when everywhere else is closed. Especially if a writing fit attacks you.
• It is located around many stores and restaurants and therefore makes a good place to hang out and chat after shopping or dining
• It is probably the best for people watching because there is always a diverse group of people
• I've been here many-a-times to do homework and there is a big table here to share with others. I've seen and been one of the complete strangers that lend homework support to each other as the night grows later and later.
• One of the biggest complaints that people have about this place and told me to mention upon finding out about my blog is the seating. It is always crowded and therefore I've come here often and not found a place to sit. However, they have remodeled several times to try and solve this problem and I was pleasantly surprised to not only be able to find a seat tonight, but also to see that they have added several more tables and chairs. Aside from adding on to the building I don't see what more could be done.
• There is outdoor seating and a fireplace that shares both the inside and outside. A big plus in my book, when it is not raining-as it is tonight I always try to sit outside by the fire. Even, when it is freezing cold. :)

The Carpenter Location:

• A less crowded smaller more quaint place. It is a newer location-and I use the term "newer" loosely as in a few years old- I feel like it is slightly more hidden than the other Starbucks never creating a problem with seating. The picture shows just about the WHOLE thing!
• I could see myself writing in the corner near the art and this specific light fixture...it also seemed whimsical to me...I don't know why, perhaps I've read to much Dr. Seuss in my life.

The Washtenaw Location:

• I have been to this drive-thru many-a-times on my way to work in the morning and while the staff is very friendly, I warn you if you work a traditional 9-5 schedule like me, only do this if you have an extra fifteen minutes to spare in the morning. Yes, there is usually a line, but even if there isn't I would say I still spend over 7 minutes in line each time, but I am not supposed to be talking about that. I am supposed to tell you about this place as a writing space.
• I have had some seating issues here too, but none that have not been solved and result in me leaving (as I've had to do with the Arborland location in the past).
• Something about this location is not as homey as the other two. I wish, dear reader, that I could be more specific for you, but I just know this isn't the place for me. Perhaps, I have used it as a back-up location too much or perhaps I am just bitter about my morning coffee not being presented to me instantly, it could even be the fact that the building is not as architecturally pleasing to me as the other ones...which isn't Starbucks fault, but none-the-less this is not the place for me.

I don't want to worry about finding a place to sit when I arrive somewhere to write and for this reason I hesitate to make Starbucks a regular place for me to go, but looking at that mermaid I think she may have some tales to tell.

I am starting to believe that where something is written affects what is written...and although I do not feel like a novel would pour out of me at Starbucks, wondering what kind of novel would be written here might be a start.