Coffee shops are a simple pleasure of mine. I enjoy sipping a sweet and spicy cup of chai on a cold winter's night and drinking a refreshing, iced cold vanilla latte on a hot summer's day. There's something about enjoying my drink in a warm and cozy coffee shop that makes the experience all the more pleasurable. Whether I'm alone and people watching, or gathering with a group of friends, it is always a special treat. Coffee shops are a friendly, casual, and comforting atmosphere for me. One where I can relax and let loose.The February issue of Travel + Leisure magazine features a piece on "Vienna's Cafe Culture," by Michael Z. Wise. Until I read this article, I never realized that my idea of a coffee shop is only unique to the US. The article describes how customers "puff cigarettes between sips of espresso" in Vienna, and waiters, dressed in "jackets and bow ties," "provide excellent service, not with a smile, but rather with a serious attitude." The coffee shop culture in Vienna is a 300 year old tradition, but does not seem to fit in with today's society.
I found this article to be interesting because I never realized how different a coffee shop could be in another part of the world. Although I am always open to trying new things, I don't think I would feel relaxed or comfortable sipping a cup of coffee with waiters in bow ties at my service, especially when they are not smiling! Casual and cozy coffee shops are one American tradition that I would certainly miss in Vienna.
I think it is very interesting to see different coffee shops around the world and how they differ. I believe local coffee shops are a great way to learn about the people who are natives. Not only is a coffee shop a great place to take a quite moment to relax it is a great place to people watch and if need be ask someone what they would recommend especially while traveling.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Sumi. I prefer drinking coffee in a relaxed setting. Having waiters formally dressed with a serious attitude would be just a little too serious for me.
ReplyDeleteSumi I read this article earlier this month. Seeing the guy in the black vest, pressed white shirt and slacks-in addition to reading about the traditions of the coffeehouses- makes me feel a little cheated about paying Starbucks prices and not getting Vienna coffeehouse services. Too bad the coffeehouses might have to change up their style to compete with the more modern shops. (Except the ones that serve stale cake.)
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good point... Starbucks is pretty expensive for a simple cup of coffee. That doesn't stop me, but if I'm paying that much I might as well get high class service.
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