Maybe you enjoy McDonald’s when you travel or maybe a cup of Starbucks; or a banana? On second thought maybe a PepsiCo/Coca Cola. 

They where the first things to be globalised. You can find them everywhere, is that a good thing like watching Star Wars, or Love Actually because it’s Christmas. 

I can remember in the 80’s when McD opened up in Russia or China. How it made the news. The global branding is ruining cultures, it’s not just American products but any company with muscle like the Trump brand. 

I remember when I learned of the banana wars in the 90’s between 2 global companies that wanted the world market so they sweetened their product by genetically modifying it to please European & American markets. They learned which market wanted them green & which wanted them yellow. 

A few years ago when I was in Germany every train station but one had a Starbucks & people stretched out the door. I wasn’t impressed rather dismayed & now they ‘re in Italy. Sad. As espresso is the heart & soul of that culture. 

Next time you shop do you shop global or local to your country? 

here I am above the circle & it’s pouring outside with slippery ice you’ve to wear brodder to walk on. All around town you hear click/clack of brodder. 

What is brodder? it’s small non-corsive metal spikes that grip the ice & it holds you upright. This week I was fooled by snow, gentle patches on the ground covering the ice until you dislodge a piece of snow & down you go. 

It’s sad we may not have a white Christmas just gray & wet like Seattle winters. The temperature is hovering at nearly 40 degrees; to warm for my down jacket. 

I miss those ristretto pulls & the way my favorite baristas knew what I drank. Here the shots are lungo, bitter with no crema. The milk is sweet without sugar & when it’s heated right it foams beautifully. 

I heart you Seattle & dream about farmers markets & low elevation “snow.”

The snow was beautiful as it fell & now it’s all but rained away. Going outside means wearing spikes to walk on the streets which have turned to ice. 

The fog dances between the mountains & into the town wrapping itself in the streets. It feels like a Seattle winter just add snow. 

I hear it’s supposed to clear up but the weather seems to have other plans…guess I’ll just have to wait & see.