pay for the privilege of being abused
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 12/27/04
cafe florian has the good fortune of being situated in the prime spot of the most beautiful drawing rooms of the most romantic city in the world.
I'm sure that attracts thousands of tourists to fill its cramped seats and tables, but for an unsuspecting tourist like myself, looking for a quick 1 euro espresso to warm me up before progressing to the san rocco, it certainly woke me up.
I wouldn't have minded so much if it were not for the incredibly arrogant waiters, who were herding the japanese and american flocks through as quickly and as efficiently as possible. I was presented with my bill without me having to even ask for it, barely 5 minutes after being served my decidedly average espresso. What fantastically efficient service.
These were all the qualities I came to venice to escape, but sadly found in their most hideous manifestations, even in the depths of winter when you would think the relentless forces of capitalism would have been packed off on their planes back home.
Ah well. I just hope part of my 10 euros will go towards the preservation of this city, as a consolation.