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Comment by islandtech | Hacker News Reader

I think coffee is vastly overpriced compared to Europe. I always drink gallons of the stuff whilst in Europe for several reasons, not the least of which is that it's better over there. The experience is nicer. I have a favourite small European country where I can literally buy two espressos or two cappuccinos for the price of one here. I grew up in Europe and have always preferred the European idea of cafes to the North American variety. I can also usually get a decent meal in a European cafe, albeit a one or two course meal. One can still smoke outside at the tables in quite a bit of Europe. North Americans have their knickers in a twist over smokers.

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I'm not sure what the issue is with North Americans having "their knickers in a twist."

It's a proven health issue, even if the smoke is inhaled second-hand. I'd say it's more of a responsibility for smokers in general: if you want to smoke, I won't judge, but please respect me in turn and understand that you may be near people who would like not to be getting the smoke second-hand.

Again, not sure what the issue is.

Coffee & cigarettes go hand in hand in some places, just a cultural difference they might miss here in NA

They're both stimulants, of course they go hand in hand! ;)

While I totally agree with you, and try to avoid imposing on others with my vaping (albeit less harmful than cigarettes, people don't like the smell, the clouds, the scare, etc.) I think that the damage caused by secondhand smoke outdoors is probably negligible. It's not lingering in the air the same way it does indoors.

It doesn't have to linger if it's blowing towards me, either by wind or your actions - it's still getting in my hair and clothes and food and making them all stink. I totally can't understand anyone simultaneously saying that European cafes are better because (a) better tasting coffee and (b) more smoke around. If you're smoking while you drink your coffee then you're ruining the flavour anyway.

Yes, I was bit confused about the comments above stating that Starbucks was the Walmart of coffee and very cheap. It's far more expensive than most other options over here in Europe.

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