This is an embodiment of the American tourist stereotype to an extent that makes it funny — despite, or maybe because of being a very polite attempt to rational

This is an embodiment of the American tourist stereotype to an extent that makes it funny — despite, or maybe because of being a very polite attempt to rationalize it. Why leave your country when wherever you go, the first step is to look for it again? There are local coffee shops in every country. In most cases they have a great atmosphere, most of them have wi-fi, most of them will let you charge your phone. All of them have… yes, coffee, often served in local ways — an opportunity to learn something about the culture. They will understand your order, no need to worry about your foreign language skills. Most countries have Starbucks-style coffee shops too these days, blended with a dash of local style. If you go abroad and go to Starbucks, are you any different to those dreadful low-life tourists spending their holidays abroad in their respective country pubs, drinking their home beer like they never left for holidays in the first place? Last time I was abroad and went to Starbucks dragged in by friends I felt like a loser. In part I guess, for having uninspiring friends. It could also be because I overpaid roughly by 250-300%, compared with prices in those lovely local cafes in the area. I appreciate the warm tone of your article, clearly it's coming from a good place. But if you're in a coffee country like Italy and get your coffee at Starbucks, you're dead to me! ;) Apologies for my patronising tone, it was meant to be somewhat warm too…