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October 20, 2005
On Globalization
Yesterday Andrea wrote to me from Germany saying she's being reading my blog. She asked if I need to make the differences between Europe and the USA so tremendous? My first thought was, no, I don't. In fact, I almost consider Amsterdam "Europe light." Everyone speaks English, the culture isn't that far removed. Heck I hear obscure Michael Jackson songs on the radio everyday. But then I want to reconsider my answer. I am GLAD there are differences between Europe and the USA otherwise why leave home? What I had expected to see was a sea of McDonalds, Pottery Barns and a Starbucks on every corner. What I have I seen? A few odd McDonalds, a mini Pizza Hut kiosk, a Kentucky Fried Chicken. That is it. I am secretly wondering where I can find a Starbucks, or at least a "to go" cup. I didn't realize how much I like "to go" cups.
The United States has become so homogenized that it almost doesn't make sense to travel from Seattle to San Diego -- aside from sunnier weather. Here I can stumble across an amazing little shop down a tiny little alley way. It makes me want to not stop exploring every little side street I can find. What if I just go one more block? Maybe I'll find a little jem of a restaurant that was only two blocks away.
I'm still finding lots of little cultural differences, like not being able to pay at the grocery store with my bank card; or the lack of "to go" cups, but that is why I'm here.
Posted by jana at October 20, 2005 4:01 AM
Comments
Speaking of Starbucks in Amsterdam, I just saw this on a blog: "There is no Starbucks in Holland"
http://www.blobp.com/gastro/2005/10/starbucks-pelayo-bcn-part-12.html
(I think I may have sent you a link to this blog before)
Posted by: Mike Anderson at October 20, 2005 8:12 PM
Interesting. In Italy, we say plenty of debit card payment going on in grocery stores. I never missed the to-go cups. I think I drink coffee to-go mostly out of reflex, so I don't miss it at all. And did Becca tell you about her embarassing McD's need that happened in Milan?
As for homogenization in America... well, I don't know if I entirely agree with that. I agree that most urban centers are becoming strip-mall hell, but once you get away from those areas, things can get pretty funky. And you should try the outer islands in Hawaii. That's America and it can really strange.
Posted by: dunsany at October 21, 2005 2:10 PM
I was totally surprised at the lack of to-go cups in Europe as well. Throughout France and Italy I came up empty handed, literally. To think I was forced to sit and socialize. It was horrible! :) Imagine my relief when I got to Germany and was able to get a big frothy latte in a to-go cup.
Posted by: DougW at October 23, 2005 11:16 PM