A good cup of coffee

A superb latte at Joe's Garage, Queenstown, New Zealand

There is nothing quite like a good cup of coffee.  

The aroma, the taste, the warmth and the comfort...ahhhh.....

There is something about it that I sink into.  It is a ritual for me.  

I only have one cup a day so I make sure it counts.  No drip coffee for me.  I am a latte girl through-and-through.  My hubbie keeps offering to buy me an espresso machine, but I keep declining.  I like going out to get it, whether to a mom-and-pop shop or a larger chain like Starbucks (I know, some of you pure coffee connoisseurs are now cringing, but at least at Starbucks I can order my coffee exactly as I want it made) I like the engagement with the baristas, and that first sip for the day...de-lic-ious!

No matter your drink of preference, here's a toast to something so good it makes us sigh with deep, satisfying, contentment!

Favorite places

Do you have favorite places that you like to revisit each time you return to your childhood home, or each time you return to a location you don't live anywhere near?  Somewhere where you will drive out of your way just to eat their food, drink their drinks or soak up the ambience?

I do. Many, in fact, but one of my all time favorites is what I affectionately refer to as The General Store.  

It isn't really a general store, but rather a cafe with a big, double-sided fireplace inside for when it is cold and foggy like this.

It is equally beautiful whether it is cold and foggy or hot and sunny.  

It is located on the east coast of New Zealand's south island, between Blenheim and Christchurch.  Whenever I am in Blenheim, I will make the hour plus drive each way, just to go and have coffee and sit in this place.  There is something so wild and untamed about it that I am just enthralled by.  Even if I am only able to stay for 30 minutes, I consider it well worth the trip and it's impact on me is one of serenity and true contentment.

I simply love this place!

Where do you just love to go?