Tuesday, August 28, 2007

THE BERLIN WALLS ...!

      

I'm back in Berlin this week on business and, no sooner did I arrive, than I hit the proverbial wall.  My hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, is right near the site of the Berlin Wall at Potsdamer Platz, where they keep original pieces of the Wall on display for tourists.  I discovered a wall of another kind, however, at the Starbucks around the corner when I tried to place my usual order.  "I'll have a Grande Half Caff," I said cheerfully to the German Barista behind the counter.  I might as well have been talking to a Brick Wall.  "We don't offer half caffs here because we don't brew decaff," she said, coldly.  "In that case, I'll have a Grande Drip," I replied and then, to get her goat, I asked if she wouldn't mind baking me one of Starbucks' Famous Triple Berry Cobbler Muffins.  "I can't imagine why you don't serve them here," I said, "They're making such an indelible impression in the States ...!"

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, you sure do get around!

Anonymous said...

See? We Europeans like our coffee strong without the Merrick muffin!
Gaz ;-)

Anonymous said...

I just can't help rubbing the locals up the wrong way whenever I'm in Germany. The temptation is just to great.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/acoward15/andy-the-bastard

Anonymous said...

LOL, I bet that did not go over well at all.  Their sweet treats over there never quite get to the sugary appeal you find state side!  I could share some stories about my stay over in Germany.  Now I can laugh about it....!

Anonymous said...

Is there a spot on earth that does NOT have a Starbucks yet? --Cin

Anonymous said...

Had some 'tude with that Grande Drip, did ya??  Wonder what her face was like when you inquired about the muffin!!  No wonder they don't like us!!
xoxo ~myra

Anonymous said...

Umm, isn't there a rule about messing with people who are preparing food and drink for you? And how good are those muffins!

No decaff in Germany? Yikes.

Anonymous said...

No wonder germans always look moody, and why do they shout when they speak?! Beckie.x