Stop and smell the coffee.

Although I love the smell of coffee, I don’t like the taste unless it’s tarted up with chocolate (dark, for preference) in a mocha or comes as a cappuccino, a drink with a venerable history. I’m a tea drinker on a daily basis, with the occasional mocha/cappuccino thrown in for variety.

But when I’m in Europe and it’s after dinner, cappuccino is my tipple, while my s-i-l chooses un café. And while on an extended walk through a lovely town, when the need for a bathroom (toilet) strikes, unless you wish to use the public toilets, which may or may not be nice, you don’t just waltz into a McDo and use the facilities.  No, it’s into a bar and order something. Of course, simply sitting and having a coffee of whatever sort, is also the perfect excuse to sit outside and people-watch.

While in Plombières-les-Bains, the need for a bathroom break prior to the drive home was a priority, so we nipped into a small corner bar, eschewing the more attractive outdoor tables to avoid a smoker.  When my cappuccino arrived and the server had left, my s-i-l and I exchanged one of those glances where you widen your eyes while making a small, disbelieving face.  This topping, complete with sprinkles,  reminded me more of something I might get on top of a sundae at the county fair or Dairy Queen!!  To say I sipped cautiously was to understate, but the coffee wasn’t bitter and the whole thing worked wonderfully.  If it looks overly sweet, remember that whipped cream isn’t sweetened the way it is here and that cute, wrapped sugar cube was still there when we left.

After we sneaked onto the grounds of  Chateau de Villersexel, escaped unscathed, and explored a bit, we were ready to sit and yes, take advantage of the ladies’ room.  This time my drink looked more normal, not so over-the-top or so much on the top and no swans or other decorations swirled on by a dedicated barista here! We enjoyed the view of the church across the narrow street while we sipped.

Although my s-i-l and b-i-l used to start their day with innumerable shots of espresso, they’ve now converted to tea.  Although we still share a bottle of champagne or wine sometimes, they’re both in training for distance running and non-alcoholic beer is on the menu daily.  My b-i-l brings this back from Germany and the Germans know how to make beer, with or without alcohol. One brand tastes exactly like beer, while others have different but very refreshing flavors.  It’s difficult to beat sitting on the patio at the end of a long day with a glass and some snacks prior to a delicious dinner.  Santé !