Coffeeshops and Cafes

Our friend Gene has been reading my drafts and has brought to my attention that my brief description of the coffeeshops in Amsterdam was, to quote, “piss poor”.   I’ll have to have his help since the coffeeshops are not my thing…just point me in the direction of the closest wine bar!

The menu does not have a mention of coffee, lattes, cappuccino or any other such potion.  Instead you will find slushys, brownies, lollipops, buds, etc. Once you choose the delivery method you then have to choose your type and grade. The surprising thing to me is that at 7am the coffeeshop next to our hotel is BUSY!  With locals!  Alcohol is not served. Oh, and Gene said to mention that the crime rate is very low…because everyone is so mellow!

Ok, now to the cafes…..my area of expertise.  First of all, no one is eating!  What’s up with that?  No, everyone is having their beverage of choice; chairs are facing outward to watch the world go by.  It’s rare to see a group of people at a table with chairs facing one another.  The pace is leisurely and an accepted, expected way of life.  I think we’re missing something in America.