Coffee anyone?

What in the hell did we all do before coffee houses sprung up everywhere? I know they've been around a long time, but ever since Starbucks decided to do a McDonald's and open up worldwide, coffee shops have become a way of life for most people. In the UK we have Starbucks, Coffee Republic, Costa Coffee and Caffe Nero, to name a few. I can understand their attraction as a place to meet friends, enjoy a book or newspaper, or connect to Wi-Fi while having a hot drink. But what blows me away is how everyone seems to live their lives now with a coffee in hand. On a typical morning commute into London, I bet half the people I pass are either carrying a hot drink or stopping to buy one. No wonder obesity is such a problem. Have you ever noticed how many calories are in these cappuccinos, lattes, mochas and Frapuccinos? They are loaded. And people don’t just have one or two a day. They have several.

Thank God I took a liking to Earl Grey tea. At least it has no calories. Neither does black coffee, but I can’t find black coffee like I’m used to in America. The closest thing to it in the coffee shops here is an Americano, which is really nothing but hot water added to an espresso. It’s way too strong for me.

Anyway, Paul and I are now making weekly trips to our local Starbucks in Hertford (which seems to be mostly a place for young mothers to gather and gossip while their kids run around the place screaming and crying) to chill out and enjoy a nice hot skinny cappuccino (64 calories each) while catching up on our Sudoku games.