The American Morning Ritual.... Coffee.

The coffee bean, a humble little seed but one that provides the average American a way to start their day.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't aware of the American stereotype of requiring coffee in the morning, and without said 'cup of joe' the day would be a disaster. As i come to the end of this trip and having spent copious amount of time in Starbucks' all along the way, it's become evidently clear how bad the addiction is.

My travelling buddy on this trip is one such addict, who has almost without fail required that morning shot of caffeine induced elixir that allows him to start the day. I myself was never a coffee drinking until last summer.

I was introduced to coffee in the most crudest form. Nestlé instant coffee granules. This is pretty much a non existent substance in the US. However I was quickly shown the way of more authentic espresso coffee, and even invested in my own Italian style Percolator in order to make proper espresso.

I must admit however, that I'd take a proper cup of English Breakfast Tea (Made in a tea pot, of course) over coffee any day. Incidentally this is the reason that brings me to write this post...

So as I was saying, on this trip I've really witnessed the grip of the coffee bean on the American public. Having 'camped' outside many a Starbucks on the way (to utilise the free parking and free wifi mainly) we've witnessed the break of dawn coffee rush that happens across the country.

The main staple of the America coffee diet seems to be plain and simple black filter coffee... The addition of milk or cream generally isn't a high priority it would seem... It's also the most readily available drink I've come across in all cafés, diners, and restaurants.

I often wonder if perhaps the American coffee addiction started with the Boston Tea Party... Sure that event was more down to the protest of being taxed with no representation... But I find it interesting that Great Britain has remained pretty steadfast in its affection for the Tea Leaf, and yet the Americans are generally incapable of making a cup if tea properly.

For any Americans reading this, I feel it's my duty as an Englishman to instruct you on the correct Tea making procedure... Please see the below diagram...

Tea Making Instructions made with Skitch for iPad

For further reading, I advise looking at this: sub.spc.org/San/docs/BS6008.pdf


I have nothing further add.

Once again, thanks for reading my random thoughts and ramblings.

Adrian

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Americaland, United States of Caffeine Addiction.

I've Come Full Circle.. Well, Not Quite..

New York, New York. So good they named it twice...

so for those of you that have been following this from the beginning might be thinking "Oh, he's back in NYC. The trip must be over".

Well. You'd be wrong. we are merely just over half way. You see the original plan was to begin here and head west like the settlers of old did those many years ago.

However due to difficulties getting an RV/campervan sorted on the east coast, we ended up starting it there.

So i've been lucky in that i've had two opportunities to visit this wonderful city now. As we were driving in back on Tuesday afternoon i had been thinking to myself.

Will i still be as excited about this city like i was when i first touched down in the states and began my adventure? would the other cities i have visited outshine this metropolis?

The answer: No.
Not. One. Bit.

This city is just one of a kind. Its probably the only US city i can honestly say that holds its own on an International stage. Theres so much going on, so much diversity, so many people. I had always thought the phrase "the city that never sleeps" was an exaggeration. Its really not. Getting on the Subway at 3am, and getting a seat isn't always a safe bet.

I've been asked many times these last few days a fairly similar slew of questions now:

Favourite City: see my top 10 post for this...

Favourite Food Dish: again see the top 10.. although NYC has not let me down yet with its food offerings

What's surprised you the most: many of my previous false convictions of Americans have been completely eroded and i understand the american culture far more now. 

Where are you going next: this always seems to differ from day to day, hour to hour...

How did you find 'the south': three words: Bar-Be-Que

Do you hate each other yet: lolz. No, we've been getting on just find... Laundromat antics always help lighten a dull mood. 

Looking back on the last two months, it really has been quite the adventure. i've really not written down as many of the stories and things we've been upto as i had planned to do.. but hopefully i can recall them all from my head before two many brain cells are desecrated on the next drinking session.

This is most likely to be the last day i spend here in NYC, and i'd like to perhaps go down and visit the famous Coney Island and see whats cracking there.. i've been slack lately with my fickr uploads and as we speak i'm only just uploading Baltimore.

I also need to get myself some business cards printed with details of my blog, instagram, twitter, etc so that i can direct more people to what we're doing.

If you are reading this and you dont know me personally or even if you do, please visit our website and although in german you can also follow us on FB and Twitter for more info and updates on the Political side of this trip.

Brooklyn Bridge. Gateway to Manhattan.