A Cup of Joe

I promised a post about the coffee situation in the south. Here's what we learned: We, in the Pacific NorthWest, are fanatic about our coffee. Coffee Connoisseurs, Coffee Snobs, whatever you want to call us, we love our coffee! In the southern states, however, it's Sweet Tea. Sweetea like it's one word and sweet tea as in if you order tea it will be cold and it will be sweet, unless you say otherwise. And if you did order it otherwise you might get a funny look.

the first morning in our motel room we tried drinking the coffee provided, made in our little in room coffee pot, adding the hard caked powdered creamer to the incredible vile smelling brew. One sip and I was spewing. It was TRULY awful!!! We already had planned a little trip to the grocery store to stock up some breakfast items for our room, so REAL coffee and cream went on the list. We stopped at the motel reception area before we left to see if the coffee there was any more palatable. It was not.  We shuddered and drove on to the market.

quintessential vacation shot. 

Several times during our stay in Pensacola, in the midst of a mid-afternoon slump,  we thought about-- even ached for-- an icy mocha or a frappachino. We searched for any kind of espresso stand or coffee house.... Not to be found. Waffle Houses, yes. Starbucks, no. At the Winn-Dixie we searched for iced coffee in the coolers. Pepsi products, including always, iced tea, were plenty. But we were not very successful in locating any iced coffee drinks.

Until one day on the way home from the beach, we stopped at a Winn-Dixies near Perdido Keys, and I found a 4 pack of Starbucks Frappichino on the shelves. Oh, happy day!! And then in the cooler, already chilled and waiting for our thirsty consumption, were single sized bottles!! I danced all the way to the check out.

stocked up the fridge!

We finally spotted a Starbucks on our next to the last day in town, when we headed to Pensacola Beach. There in a trendy strip mall in Gulf Breeze, we saw the familiar green and white sign. We didn't stop but I did shriek a little at the sight! 

I did develop a taste for Sweet Tea while there. It's good. It's sweet, oh my yes, but it's refreshing. Still, if I'm going for a caffeine fix, give me coffee. Please.

good to the last drop. Aaaaaahhhhhhhh......