We were entering the fifth city of our extended vacation, and fatigue had begun to set in. Three consecutive nights of stuffy, AC-less rooms in an unusually warm July in the British Isles, and we were the worse for wear. Our breakfast had gone ok, but in lieu of joining an overstuffed tourist bus for Loch Ness, we elected to rely upon ourselves to walk around the town of Inverness.
First we needed caffeine. The Eastgate Shopping Centre looked like it might have something promising, so we entered, went up to the second floor, and found this Starbucks. Now, we all know that Starbucks is the most evil corporation to have ever invaded Earth, but between you and me, I generally have a good time when I visit. Not all franchises are alike, of course, and that's part of the charm (take note of that comment, Target).
And this Starbucks certainly distinguished itself in a positive way. Friendly staff, drinks that did what they were supposed to do, and a message from our barista, "Hello From Bonnie Scotland" (or something like that) on my wife's cup, when we told her that we were from California. Surroundings were clean and comfortable, the wifi was healthy, and we never felt like we were being pressured to leave. If we're ever in this lovely burg again, we'll have to visit. read more
