cafés, cafés everywhere

So I am sure most of you are aware that Europeans live in a café culture. Meaning that they are everywhere and it is really a way of life for a lot of people. They are frequented by people of all ages and it is just a place to relax and have a cup of coffee. There is no pressure here to finish in lightning speed because others are waiting. As with all European restaurants, the waiters are not paid mostly from tips so there is no rush to turn tables for the maximum wage for one night’s work. Patrons are encouraged to take their time and not be disturbed during the meal, and actually have as little, impersonal contact with the wait staff as possible. Which is sometimes a nice thing and sometimes not. However, back to the cafés… I have joined a gym (fitness studio) here in Germany and one of the first things I noticed was that we have a little lounge area at the entrance where you can buy a cup of coffee and just sit and relax after your work out (which to me seems a little counter productive, but flash back to the quote to live by in another country “it’s not bad it’s just different”) So of course they would have a little café set up in the gym. Not only do the fitness studios support this lifestyle for the members, but also McDonalds had jumped on board as well in their European locations with the McCafe, yes it is italicized on the building. I have not yet been to one of these cafés within the McDonalds (Supersize Me will keep me out of that place for a LONG time) but it just goes to show that it is such a big part of the culture here, that a foreign rum company was persuaded to live up to what it’s customers are used to.

Another aspect of eating and cafes here in Germany specifically is eating outside. I think all Europeans practice this a lot more, but being outside is a way of German life. People go for walks all the time on the weekends, when they are alone, or have company. When the weather is good it is basically unheard of to do anything inside. In terms of dining people eat outside whenever possible. Even when the weather is cold, people like to sit outside and use blankets provided by the restaurant, very interesting. It sure makes sense though, and it is such a nice way to enjoy the environment in which you live. I think sometime in America things are too artificial and stale. Just something to think about and take back…