On May 13th, Qingdao Daily/Guanhai News reported that there is a super warm coffee shop hidden in the old block of Qingdao, and the owner is an 87 year old grandmother! With silver hair and reading glasses, proficient in grinding beans and pressing powder, it is undoubtedly the "trendiest retirement ceiling" in the island city.
Every morning at 9:30, Zhao Qiying arrives at the store on time to "go to work", wiping the table, tidying up the bar counter, and tidying up corners. Her movements are not as agile as those of an octogenarian. At 10 o'clock, as soon as the "In Service" sign was hung, loyal customers came knocking on the door one after another. Zhao Qiying turned around and rushed into the operation area, focused and handsome.
Who would have thought that this now proficient 'gold medal barista' would not have even seen coffee more than 10 years ago! In 2015, Zhao Qiying experienced the difficult days of her husband leaving, and her son's coffee shop encountered difficulties again. She advised her to come to the shop to visit and relax. At the age of over 70, she embarked on a journey of learning with an indomitable spirit. Due to her advanced age, Zhao Qiying was rejected by a professional training institution, but she did not give up easily. With an indomitable spirit, she independently studied and practiced diligently. For the most difficult skill of latte art, she has developed a unique practice method, using water mixed with laundry detergent to simulate milk foam, replacing coffee with soy sauce, and repeatedly polishing techniques, controlling strength and state day after day.
With persistent efforts, in just over half a year, Zhao Qiying quickly mastered multiple skills such as coffee making and simple meal cooking, transforming from a coffee novice to an all-around shop owner. She successfully revitalized this coffee shop that was on the brink of closure, making it a popular and warm stronghold in the old town district.
For more than ten years, we have remained steadfast in our original intention. For many years, Zhao Qiying has always been dedicated to making every cup of coffee, adhering to pure and authentic flavors, not relying on fancy marketing, but retaining customers from all over with sincerity and craftsmanship. Many citizens and tourists come here to check in and feel the warmth of the old city in the misty aroma of coffee. The small shop has also become a warm place for everyone to heal their body and mind and absorb positive energy. Retired groups come to exchange and learn from the city, while young groups bring their elders to visit and check in. A small coffee shop carries the warmth of the city and the beauty of life.
In Zhao Qiying's view, a small shop is not only a place for business, but also a harbor for neighbors to gather and spread warmth. She always adheres to her original intention and insists on managing the store with care, hoping to stick to her small shop and serve her neighbors in her lifetime, adding a touch of warmth to the neighborhood. Despite being over eighty years old, Zhao Qiying still loves life and adheres to her passion. With practical actions, she has demonstrated the magnanimity and responsibility of the elderly in the new era, breaking the inherent understanding that retirement is about being idle and lying flat.
Having a sense of achievement and happiness in old age. Nowadays, this silver haired barista still sticks to the streets and alleys of the old city, warming people's hearts with cups of fragrant coffee, living the most beautiful old age with love and perseverance, and making the fireworks atmosphere of Qingdao's old city even more mellow and charming. (Qingdao Daily/Guanhai News reporter Cao Sen, correspondent Liu Tao)
Responsible Editor: Sun Yuanxi