So I’ve been thinking about what it’s like to first encounter a particular foreign city and be baffled by its customs.

Per esempio

Parco del colle Oppio
Tables in front of tiny bar in Roman park

I am having a lazy restful day in Rome this afternoon – sitting in the shade of a tree-filled park, steps above the coliseum. It’s quiet, lovely, cool. And this little kiosk sells coffee, sodas, ice cream. Drinking my FAVORITE beverage – which I only indulge in when I visit Roma — Lemon Soda. We can get it in America. It’s a not too sweet soda with a tangy kick of lemon.

An American family of four came to one of the tables, ready to just sit and cool off. And then groused when the guy serving the drinks told them they had to buy something to stay at the table.

Judgment alert (I admit it)!!!! But, what the heck were you thinking?! There are plenty of benches in the park. To sit. For free. But for crying out loud – this is essentially an open-air cafe. Didja really think someone (who!!?!) set out nice straw chairs around little cafe tables for your enjoyment?

They bought two small bottles of “sparkling water” for the four of them. And whined the whole time. They left in about five minutes. Complaining.

Dude!! When in Rome …