One day I was sitting by myself in Starbucks studying Chinese. My seat and the condiment (?) counter was separated by a four foot high wall, so those standing at the counter could see me and vice versa. Being diligent as I am, I was consumed by my studies, not paying nan attention to the gentleman at the counter, until I heard him comment profoundly, “Chinese”.

“Yeah…Chinese”, I replied, going back to my studies. I’ve learned my lesson. No more talking to strangers. And no more being overly polite.

“Are you a student?”, he inquired. He didn’t get my signal. Our conversation was already longer than I’d desired. And this question, of all he could have asked, is the worst, though natural and quite common given the Chinese book and baby face. The problem is that when I answer, a whole series of questions relating to what I do follows. I had to nip this in the bud, but I couldn’t lie.”No, I work here, but I’m studying Chinese on my own”. Surprisingly, he nodded, extended his had, said it was nice to meet me, and left.

Since then, I’ve noticed this guy at Starbucks….everyday!!! Weekdays and weekends. He is seriously holding court in this place. Now I know business is done in the tea houses in Japan and China, but this dude is taking it to a new level. Now I’m curious what it is he does. He’s young, less than 35, wears the “boss” Buddha beads (I’ll tell you about those one day) on his wrist, Polo with a popped collar, board shorts and flip flops. Starbucks franchise owner?

UPDATE: “Eddie” came over an talked to me just now. Turns out those Buddha beads are the real thing. He is starting a child education center based on Buddhist teaching. They hold meetings here in Starbucks.

UPDATE2: Thought I’d offer a quick explanation of the “Buddha beads” while I had a moment. These beads are basically Buddhist prayer beads - a Buddhist rosary, if you will. But of course, like the kaffiyeh, or the Crucifix, the majority of those rocking them do so for style rather than belief. In China, the BBs are standard issue for all the big bosses.