The images I use in this book do not belong to me. Credit to: Pinterest.
For any grammatical error please bear with me but I will try my best to avoid that. I hope you enjoy the story. ☺️

"Have you ever wondered what it's like to live a dream-like life or experience a dream-like moment? What is it like to meet someone for the first time and instantly feel a connection? To finally meet someone who understands you and make you feel at home and peace with yourself?"

If you did, I'm guessing we have some of the same connections and feelings in some way. I felt these emotions and experienced a dream-like experience. A memory I'd like to treasure forever and a moment I'd like to share. But first, let me introduce myself before I tell you about my story.

My name is Tiwalope. Quite a unique name, I know. That's one of the advantages of being a Yoruba woman from Nigeria. I'm a college student at a prestigious university. I'm 5 feet tall, with short dark hair braided, dark skin, a chubby face and I'm 21 years old. That should tell you everything there is to know about me. Let's keep a few things under wraps. Now I'll tell you about my experience in "VENICE IN ILSAN."

My story started when I decided to take a break from school after few months of stressful studying. A time breather to relieve my mental and physical stress. A healing process maybe. So, I chose to spend my break away from school, outside my country. A place where I can get away from everything that is weighing me down. Gyeonggi-do in South Korea seemed to me to be the most intriguing and pleasant destination to visit. A location that was recommended on a page I came upon on Instagram. I booked a flight and packed my bags for a two weeks healing trip. A week in between the other, I'm here at the same place I decided to spend my vacation.

Today is my last day in Ilsandong-gu, Gyeonggi-do, as I stroll down the street with a camera around my neck and a bag over my right shoulder. I've been looking for inspiration or anything that may make me feel better or more alive for the past week and a few days, but I think I don't know what I'm looking for or I'm not willing to open my mind to whatever I desire.

On my last trip here, I came to a site so remarkable that my eyes couldn't believe it would be graced by its existence. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Beautiful structures with blue roofs and architectural, similar to those found in Venice in Rome, at a location known as Garosu-gil. I was taken aback by the beauty of the surroundings and couldn't resist the need to shoot images to retain as a souvenir. After wandering through shopping malls for a bit, I came upon a café and felt compelled to get a drink. Maybe a smidgeon of caffeine can brighten my gloomy mood.

"LIQUID" I chuckled as I read the café's name in my head. What a unique name for a coffee shop. For one thing, the name fits in an odd way. The doorbells jingled as I entered the café, signalling my arrival. I took a slow, deliberate look around the café, as if to let the interior sink in.

The room was painted white and furnished with silver tables and chairs, some of which were occupied by customers. Paintings were hung on the wall. "The owner seems to like art" I thought. The lighting of the café wasn't extreme and quite friendly to the eyes. The interior gave off a relaxing homey atmosphere. The solemn sound of classical music complemented the chatter of people in my ears. My nose was overwhelmed with the fragrance of freshly made coffee mixed with chocolates and sweets. My eye was pulled to the delectable-looking baked delicacies neatly displayed in the clear cabinet. I walked over to the coffee bar to order whatever. The barista looked up as I approached the bar with a smile on her face and said * "Eoseooseyo" in Korean language meaning Welcome. Then she proceeded to ask what I wanted to order * "Mueos-eul jumunhasigessseubnikka?" I looked up at the menu and I pondered on what to choose while she waited patiently for my response.

"Um... Actually, I've never tasted coffee before and I don't know what to choose. Would you like to recommend for me?" I asked her. She smiled and progressed to talk in English for better communication which I appreciated "We have Americano, Latte, Mint Chocolate..." before she could continue, a slight deep voice cuts in.

"You should try Vanilla bean Latte. It's one of my favourites."

Who do you think the owner of the voice belongs to? A man or a woman?
Let me know in the comment. Hope you enjoy the chapter 1 and please do vote. It's very much appreciated. Thank you and see you next chapter! 😊