For our first Explore Columbus, Caitlyn and I decided to go to Zen Cha Tea Salon. We chose this place because it had been a spot on Caitlyn’s Columbus bucket list. Plus, we both love tea. We were both excited to go to try teas we have never been able to try before. I personally had never been to a tea salon and was excited to visit one. Zen Cha is in a Short North so naturally we took the COTA to get there. We talked about how much we like taking the bus and we both agree it’s something people should do more. Once we hopped off the bus, we were met with a dog wearing a Halloween costume, and then another, and then another! During our time together, we probably saw 20 dogs wearing costumes. It was definitely a nice surprise.
Once we arrived at the tea salon, I think we were both a little overwhelmed with the amount of tea they offered. I was shocked at the number of teas had— there had to be at least 100 different kinds. Zen Cha offered tea from all over the world and in many varieties that I didn’t know existed. We both ended up getting a red tea from Africa. The tea was delicious and we both had a few cups of it. The place was decorated with different types of tea sets from different times and places around the world, and we both liked looking at how intricate they were. When we arrived we didn’t know they served food but they had a pretty extensive menu. We both said we would be back, but if I were to go again, I would make sure I didn’t eat before going. It’s a nice place because of its convenient location on High Street and the fact it offers so many things. You could go there many times and get something new every trip. It also was not very expensive. I think we both spent around $5 and that got you a few cups of tea, so a student on a budget could afford this— especially since it is right on the bus line which OSU students get for free!
This was a really great way for me and Caitlyn to get to know each other better. It was fun to explore the city with her and I will always remember that we went there together. I really enjoyed hearing more about Caitlyn outside of ACES events and the interview. We talked a lot about her hometown versus mine. We both had very different experiences growing up as she was from a rural area and I am from Cleveland. It was interesting to be able to compare and contrast where we grew up. Being at OSU, I don’t really get to learn a lot about where my friends and peers lived before they came to school so that was very beneficial. I think this experience helped me and Caitlyn bond more as an ACES pair.
Something I like about Columbus (and the general OSU/ Short North/ Clintonville area) is how much diversity you can experience in a very short distance. On the way to the Zen Cha you pass restaurants from every ethnicity and as I mentioned, the tea shop itself had tea from anywhere you could imagine. I learned that Columbus is an incredibly diverse place. Learning about a new city or trying something new can be scary! But it is made easier when you do it with a friend. It is important to try new things in a new place so you can make it your home. It is likely you will not enjoy everything or love every experience but there is value in that. Along the way, you are sure to find things, places, and people you like to be with and that is really how you get to know a new city! For someone else looking to explore Columbus, I would first recommend taking the bus! City transport is a great, environmentally friendly way to see a city. I think a lot of people are afraid to take the bus and there is definitely a stigma surrounding the bus, but the bus is great if you give it a chance! Plus, the bus system won’t improve if you don’t ride it. Secondly, I would recommend trying to go to a place you wouldn’t normally go, because that is what exploring is all about (and it’s more fun if you do). Plus, you could find something you really like and you could introduce your friends to it. Overall, I had a great time exploring the city with Caitlyn and trying something new!
