When in Rome . . . or Seattle

What was I doing here? I do not even drink coffee. Besides, all of these places basically look the same. This place was no different, really. What was the point of my being here? I had no intention of ordering coffee. Yet, there I was, standing in a tiny Starbucks Coffee shop in Seattle. I was not alone. The store was packed to the point where I could hardly move. While most of the people in the store had a drink in hand, I spotted a few who, like me, were just looking around. In any other city, this might have seemed exceedingly strange, going to Starbucks with no intention of getting coffee. But, this was different. This was the first Starbucks.

Seattle and coffee are somewhat linked. It was in Seattle that coffee became a pastime. What was once a drink largely reserved for mornings and evening meals, became a day-long obsession. Granted, Starbucks is just another large corporation. But, it was in Seattle that Starbucks began. Seeking out the first store seems to just be something that Seattle visitors do. It’s like visiting New York and going to the Empire State Building. When in Seattle, you go to Starbucks.

When traveling, one always encounters activities that could be described as “touristy.” Sometimes, these activities can be enjoyable diversions. But, the crowds can be sizable and visitors often find themselves spending too much money on souvenirs they do not need. Often, it may be best to try to avoid them. The first Starbucks could fall into that category. But, like visiting that infamous Manhattan skyscraper, seeking out the first store was something I felt I had to do.

After ten minutes of working my way through the crowded store, I felt I had seen enough to satisfy my curiosity. I walked toward the door to leave. But, not before I bought a coffee mug.