Deep Thoughts

What do you do when the person you’re supposed to meet up is running late?

I’m not really patient by nature and I used to get annoyed when schedules run late but life has taught me that delays can be an opportunity for some unexpected “Me” times and discovering places I never thought existed. 

Last week’s Thursday meet-up with the Husband at Chatswood was supposed to be at a Korean place that serves Korean fried chicken.  And as I arrived at our meeting place on time, the Husband called to say that something came up at the office and he will be late for our dinner date. 

I immediately went on “wanderlust” mode and walked around Chatswood and looked at shops and restaurants in the area.  There was a Night Market at that time too but I had to go inside Westfield after a few minutes because it rained.

Since my legs were also needing rest from all the walking and I was craving for coffee, I went inside Westfield.  Tucked in the corner of the 2nd level, I saw a cozy-looking cafe called Oliver Brown.

Cafe: Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe (Chatswood, NSW)


Cafe: Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe (Chatswood, NSW)


Cafe: Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe (Chatswood, NSW)



Oliver Brown
is a Belgian Chocolate Cafe that serves great tasting chocolate and coffee.  The cafe looks attractive with its contemporary design and iconic patterned tiling. 

Cafe: Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe (Chatswood, NSW)



I just love it when restaurant owners are consistent with branding the little details inside their restaurant–like the cups and serviettes.  It makes the service more personal.  And yes, I always take note of these little things when I dine out.

Cafe: Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe (Chatswood, NSW)


Cafe: Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe (Chatswood, NSW)



I ordered a Cafe Latte and it was creamy and beautiful.

Cafe: Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe (Chatswood, NSW)


Cafe: Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe (Chatswood, NSW)



I love that they served a few bits of their Belgian Chocolate with their coffee.  Their chocolates were delicious so I decided to buy some truffles for the Husband when he arrived.

Cafe: Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe (Chatswood, NSW)



I bought two dark chocolate truffles, two white ones and a nutty truffle.  The truffles were not as expensive as the ones made by famous chocolatiers but they were good chocolate.

Cafe: Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe (Chatswood, NSW)

Another great cafe find during my unexpected “Me” time.

 

Oliver Brown Belgian Chocolate Cafe
Level 2, Store 212
Westfield Chatswood
Phone: 9410 3774

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Since I’ve discovered lululemon’s manifesto, I’ve been a fan of their store.  I love their products and I love their blog.


Here’s another poster called “Do The Crazy Thing” I’d like to share with you on this lovely Monday morning.

Do The Crazy Thing
Thanks to Ciona who shared this wonderful poster via the lululemon athletica blog.



Let’s do something crazy…let’s do something wonderful…let’s make the impossible possible.


Have a great week ahead!

There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done.
Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It’s easy.

There’s nothing you can make that can’t be made.
No one you can save that can’t be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you
in time – It’s easy.

all you need is LOVE

There’s nothing you can know that isn’t known.
Nothing you can see that isn’t shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.
It’s easy.

All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.
Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
All you need is love, all you need is love,
All you need is love, love, love is all you need.

All you need is LOVE – Beatles

-o0o0o-

In a world of uncertainty and negativity, let’s surround ourselves with people we love and people who truly care about us.  In times of despair, may our passions in life give us a new sense of hope and self-fulfilment.  When in doubt, may we find comfort in our faith.  

When we think that everything will seem to fail, believe that LOVE won’t.

May we all have a LOVE-filled week!


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The whole world is mourning for the loss of a great visionary and a brilliant man.  Steve Jobs at age 56, left the world with his legacy of innovation, excellence and creativity.
RIP Steve Jobs

RIP Steve Jobs

Thank you, Steve Jobs…
for making this world a better place
for changing the way we live
for bringing the world into our hands
for making innovative gadgets user-friendly
for inspiring us with your wisdom
for making me see the beauty of technology
for teaching me how to embrace it.



Well done, Steve Jobs…well done!

-o0o0o-


The internet is abuzz with so many tributes and articles on remembering the life of Steve Jobs.  Please click on the links below:

15 Things You Didn’t Know About Steve Jobs

Remembering Steve Jobs

A Collection of 60 Inspiring Steve Jobs Quotes about Life, Design and Apple

Steve Jobs’ Lifetime Impact on the World of Technology

10 Iconic Steve Jobs Moments


Statement by Apple’s Board of Directors

TIME’s Steve Jobs Covers – Photo Essays

Steve Jobs’ 11 Best Quotes

Steve Jobs: His Life and Career in the Pages of TIME

Steve Jobs’ Family Statement

Tim Cook’s Email to Apple Staff

Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak Tearfully Remembers Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs’ Neighbor Reflects 

Steve Jobs and the Reserved Seat

Sad Goodbyes to Steve at the San Francisco Apple Store


People Reach for Steve Jobs in Large Numbers

Being Steve Jobs’ Boss

Bloomberg Businessweek on Steve Jobs 


Over 100 Newspaper Front Pages Around the World Mourn Steve Jobs


-o0o0o-

This would probably be one of the most memorable cafes we’ve ever experienced.

On our third day in Seoul, we found ourselves in the streets of Myeongdong (the shopping mecca of Seoul).  Before we explored and shopped the night away, we had late afternoon tea in one of the busiest streets of Myeongdong.  We found out that the ground level of buildings are retail businesses while the upper floors are restaurants or cafes. 

We looked up and saw a sign that said LAMP.  Just one word.  Simple, short and mysterious.

Cafe: Lamp (Seoul, Korea)



We walked closer to the establishment and a small door opened up to a flight of stairs.  It was dark inside but we heard people and music…and most of all, we smelled the aroma of coffee.

Walking up the stairs was visually delightful as we saw little plants and photographs in every step.  And the walls were also adorned with pictures and Polaroids.  It reminded me of my idea of a dream house…my dream house.

Cafe: Lamp (Seoul, Korea)



As we reached the second floor, we were greeted by friendly “Annyeong Haseyo!” of the staff.  The room was a bit crowded so we asked if we can sit on the third floor and they agreed.

Cafe: Lamp (Seoul, Korea)



We had the whole floor to ourselves (how lucky!).  We enjoyed the quiet…our alone time.  In traveling, our lives can sometimes be noisy with so much excitement, with so many things taking our breath away. 

Cafe: Lamp (Seoul, Korea)



The Husband and I appreciate times during travel where we can sit back and remove ourselves out of the picture for a few moments. It is a way for us to let all the adventure sink in and a way for us to be grateful for our here and now.

Cafe: Lamp (Seoul, Korea)



The cafe has a vintage and artsy feel.  The interiors will transcend you into another time and place.  The ambiance was cozy, moody and eccentric.

Cafe: Lamp (Seoul, Korea)


Cafe: Lamp (Seoul, Korea)


Cafe: Lamp (Seoul, Korea)
Cafe: Lamp (Myeongdong, Seoul, Korea)



We found out that in the afternoons they offer a cup of coffee and a slice of cafe for only 6,000won.

Cafe: Lamp (Seoul, Korea)



The cakes were fluffy and not too sweet.  Their coffee was generally light with no bitter aftertaste.

Cafe: Lamp (Seoul, Korea)


Cafe: Lamp (Seoul, Korea)


As we sat and enjoyed our cuppa, we looked below us and saw Seoul come to life at night.  The following day, we will leave Seoul and yet we still cannot believe then how lucky we were to have explored this charming city.

LAMP
Myeongdong, Seoul
Korea