Why can’t I have a cup of coffee?

Dogmatic inflexibility!

It’s the only way I can describe it… A pervasive Caribbean phenomenon yachtsmen and tourists alike require some time adjusting to.

Don’t take my word for it…. Ask any expatriate or visitor if they have had a similar experience to mine and you will have a topic for discussion that is sure to take you into the wee hours of the night…

What experience am I referring to?

Desperate for my morning caffeine, I made the mistake of going to a “subway” fast food outlet for coffee. My assumption being that the machine would be working overtime in such an establishment and I’d likely find a fresh brew.

With a big smile (anticipating my fix), I reach the counter… “Good morning!, I’ll have a small cup of black coffee please.”

“No, you can’t have coffee!”, states a bored employee.

“Err… Is there a problem with the machine?”

“No, we don’t have any cups”.

“Is there something wrong with those cups over there?”

“No, those are for other drinks”

Suddenly realizing that all sentences need start in the negative, I make my attempt to speak to the employee in her own language…

“Noooo matter… I’ll just have my coffee in a paper cup, the Styrofoam one really isn’t necessary is it?”

“No, I can’t do that..”

“No? Why is that?”

And then… the only response not starting with the word no…. said with what I can only describe as astounding conviction…..

“Because it will explode!”

Obviously I should have stopped insisting after the first no…

I live and learn….