Raindrops Cafe #1

The story of Raindrops Cafe might as well begin with the phrase "Once upon a time, in a land far away" just like any other stories you've ever heard before. It began in the land quite far on the other side of the desert, beyond the mountains, across the ocean to the next island where people speak a different dialect. There once lived a man who was passionate about growing coffee beans and to brew the best beverage. He lived high up on the mountain where the forests are blue-green and ordinary day is misty and cold. From his adobe, he could see in all four wind rose directions. Once in awhile an airship will stop by to ask for direction and he never failed to offer them a place to sit and listen to his stories. He served all of his traveling guests a cup of freshly brewed coffee which work like magic on a misty day on the mountain. If they like it, he will give them a bag as a parting gift. If they don't, he will give them a bag to go just as well. Soon, many travelers will stop by just to taste his coffee and listen to his stories. He never failed them and never once take the money they offered in return.

One day, a traveler who have heard about his reputation came by and asked the man why has he not open a cafe where more people will know about his passion in coffee while listening to his story telling. "Oh I never thought of that" he said. "I only had a small patch of land to grow my coffee and to keep my children busy. I want them to learn the secret and it will serve them well when I am gone. It was more of a personal desire to grow and make the best coffee and share it with those who happened to stop by." Never occurred to him that he would make this into a full trade, not until the traveler convinced him that this treasure ought to be shared with the world. So the traveler offered him a place to serve his coffee in one of his establishment with only one condition, that the coffee grower will stop by once in awhile at a designated time to share his stories with friends and visitors.

That my friend, what most people considered to be the first Raindrops Cafe, also known as Raindrops Cafe #1. But as far as I am concern, the first Raindrops Cafe were established long time ago high up on the mountain, where the forests are blue-green and ordinary day is misty and cold.