At the end of last week, I went to a nearby town to have a walk around in the cold, frosty air. I haven’t been out too much since Christmas because of the snow, icy pavements, cold winds etc. all the joys of winter. It looks great from indoors, through the window, but as soon as you get outside, Brrrr you want to get in again.
However, being indoors all the time can get tedious, so I braved the weather and went out. First stop was this beautiful cake-shop, which sells excellent bread, rolls, cakes and snacks and always does great business.
I enjoyed a mug of hot chocolate and watched through the window as the world passed by. Here in England we have a very strong cafe culture. It started with tea drinking, but then we got fond of coffee too and coffee bars are thriving. Just lately Starbucks have got into trouble over here for not paying their corporation tax, preferring instead to move their money around in and out of the country with the help of some ‘clever’ accountants. It isn’t fair and they have been taken to task over it. Now they have agreed to pay corporation tax here as well as enjoying the benefits of trade in our tiny country.
Personally, I don’t drink in Starbucks. I prefer to support the traditional cafes, of which there are many and the individual ones are the best. You can’t beat personal service, in my opinion. If I go to America, I’m happy to visit American watering holes, but over here it’s British all the way.
What do you think of these gingerbread men in the frieze? Aren’t they adorable.
What do you think about this subject? If you were to visit Rome, for example, would you want to see a Starbucks in the main square? Do you think it’s better for each country to keep its own identity?
Oma
Oma 