Some time ago I was sitting in Starbucks in Bangkok, coffee in one hand, camera in the other. I saw an interesting arrangements of mugs on a shelf and stood up to take a photo. Immediately, a concerned employee rushed over and told me I could not take photos in the cafe, and pointed out the stickers on the door highlighting “no photos”, “no dogs”, “no food from outside” etc etc. I understand, I said. Sorry, I said. I got the shot anyway, I didn’t say.
Today I took she who must be obeyed for her Sunday coffee at the Starbucks in The Avenue. We sat by the window, slurping happily, when a woman and her daughter walked past, each carrying a particularly scruffy poodle. Then they pushed open the door (carrying the “no photos”, “no dogs”, “no food from outside” stickers), and walked into the cafe, smelly dogs cradled in their arms.
It was a “what the fuck?” moment.
Then they walked up to the counter and placed the smelly, scruffy poodles on the counter so they could order their drinks in comfort.
It was another “what the fuck?” moment. Only louder.
It should also have been a “jump up and snap a picture, and then fervently pray the staff would tell me that I couldn’t take photos” moment. But that didn’t happen, I just sat there gobsmacked as the staff not only failed to eject the mutts and their handlers, but I could swear that one of them actually leaned across and stroked one of the dogs.
Starbucks, The Avenue. Don’t worry about that curly hair in your coffee, it’s from a poodle. But no photos please.
Comments 🔗
2009-01-26| todd sayshah, yeah it’s not the most logical race of people.
saw a guy with a huge blue macaw (big bird) walking around and in all the shops… haven’t seen any signs that say no giant birds, so guess he must be ok.
2009-01-26| Spike saysI have seen him too. Either pretentious, or mad, or both.
2009-01-26| Jock saysBig Black guy walked into Starbucks with a parrot on his shoulder … barister said What The Fuck … where did you get that … and the parrot said Africa :-)
2009-01-27| todd sayshahahaha nice
2009-01-30| Tic saysI would have taken photos of the mutt and send it to the SB in BKK.
2009-01-30| Tic says…and then say to them…“Why so…serious..” The best Joker line from the Dark Knight movie.
2009-01-30| Spike saysI know, I am kicking myself for not having a camera with me. But then we couldn’t go in there again because they would spit in our coffee; and we wouldn’t be able to tell ‘cos it tastes like someone has spat in it already.