I am well aware that coffee plays a huge part in our world economy. You often hear of poor conditions in which people live and work on coffee farms. It is said that some third world countries rely in large part upon the revenue from coffee beans. The Earth’s coffee market seems to permeate the very fabric of supply and demand. Doubtless, there are hundreds of topics to ponder in reference to this phenomenon. There is one however, that made an impression on me personally.
Starbucks is taking over the world.
I would never presume to pass judgment as to whether this is good or bad – it simply is. I witnessed this personally a few years ago in the city of Athens, Greece. Walking through the streets and markets of Athens, I became giddy when at last I found the Starbucks. Like the well-told myths of ancient Greece, I had heard a beautiful story – passed down through generations. Though I found it difficult to believe, it was fabled that Starbucks resided here. Okay… that is a bit dramatic, but I was truly ecstatic when at last I stepped foot into my first Grecian Starbucks. I was told that Starbucks had opened several stores in preparation for the recent Summer Olympics. Starbucks was familiar. It was my security blanket. I have loved Starbucks’ hot chocolate for as long as we have known each other. I do believe it was love at first sip. Here, on foreign shores, I found a faithful friend.
As time has gone by, my worldview has adjusted somewhat. I used to ascribe to the belief that civilization could not exist where 7Eleven, Walmart, and Starbucks lacked. That is no longer the case. Uniqueness and culture have become a very important part of life. Though some chain stores make life simpler, even less expensive, I treasure the opportunity to try new experiences, meet new people, learn new things, and support the quest for individuality. Now… I‘m not a proponent of regulations that would halt the progress of free enterprise, but I cherish the hard-working backbone of humanity. I don’t know what Starbucks replaced, or whether they simply filled a yawning void in coffee availability. According to their website, Starbucks currently has locations in 34 countries. It is possible that some of those did not have a proper coffee supply at all.
I only stop to wonder… what did I miss out on? What could I have experienced in the place of Starbucks? The only real difference between Starbucks here and there was the mug I purchased that said “GREECE” on it. Regret is not a happy place to live, so I have assigned these thoughts to the mental folder “things to learn from.”
Coincidentally, the two things that I consistently took pictures of were Starbucks and bathrooms (yes, I’m strange). I don’t believe in coincidence. What are your thoughts?
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