Why are Europeans so stingy about water/soda?

[B00ne]

Well, thats because our food is good - so there is no need to wash it down

I America I never drank that free water. American tap water is disgusting - kinda like drinking a swimming pool.

 

[Anubis]

]If you are an American eating McD's while in Europe you have bigger issues to worry about than upsetting a European clerk's stereotypes. :laugh:

you know sometimes you just feel like a big Mac no matter wher eyou are

 

[Syringer]

Originally posted by: kami333

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer

Originally posted by: Syringer
Based on my experiences in dining in Europe, I found that few, if any restaurants offer:

a) water for free. Those that do make a big deal out it, like you were getting free beer with your meal or something..and even then it's only a cup/bottle, with no refills.
b) soda refills at fast-food places. Fountain machines are usually behind the counter, unlike most places here where you fill your own drink up. Also medium/larges are equivalent to small/mediums over here.
c) ice with your beverages. Usually it'll be touristy places that'll fill your drink with ice, but otherwise you're stuck with warm soda/water.

Even at a buffet place I went to in Barcelona, where you can eat all you want, you only get one refill with your drink, otherwise you pay extra.

Americans who travel to other countries and eat at American chains are just LAME! The argument that fastfood is "cheap and available" is not only untrue even in the U.S. but, certainly untrue in any other country.

Try going to an actual restaurant instead of fastfood or buffets and you might learn that the food is not only better but, the service, price and value is better.

For you gastronomic cowards who can't bear the thought of eating anything they haven't seen before, hurry up and choke on that Big Mac and get off the cross. Somebody else needs the wood.

Have you ever tried a Teriyaki McBurger? Or a Nacho King? Or a Pita McBurger? Or a burger with an over-easy egg? A shawarma burger? Or a fried pork cutlet burger? How about fries with mayo or sweet chili? Or green tea soft cream?

I don't think there's anything wrong with eating fast food once or twice while you are in a foreign country, McDonalds always has some unique item that is only offered in that country/region. Fast food is not the same around the world, there is a lot of regional influences.

Very true, every McDonald's in each country we went to had its own specialty items that were interesting.

 

[B00ne]

Originally posted by: Syringer

Originally posted by: flexy
did you know that McD in Germany serves beer ? My ex gf pointed that out while in Germany....i never thought anything about it, but now here in the states that thought is ODD And yes....restaurant service in general is WAY below us levels. But then you also do NOT tip.

Pretty much every restaurant in Europe serves beer..

However, I made the mistake of getting a beer at McD or BK once - theit beer is horrible

 

[B00ne]

Originally posted by: Childs
My step dad used to discourage me from drinking anything with a meal when eating out. His reasoning was it filled you up, and you may not eat as much as you normally would. I always finished my food, so I dont know what the deal was. I attributed it to him growing up during the Depression and being cheap, but his parents did come from Spain as well, so maybe it was a Euro thing.

Actually it is/was a war thing. Food has to be eaten up - always. Often esp. old ppl still would not leave food on their plate (in restaurants in particular) even if they were full - because basically a whole generation grew up with food beeing hard to come by. And that is what they taught their kids...

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: B00ne

Originally posted by: Syringer

Originally posted by: flexy
did you know that McD in Germany serves beer ? My ex gf pointed that out while in Germany....i never thought anything about it, but now here in the states that thought is ODD And yes....restaurant service in general is WAY below us levels. But then you also do NOT tip.

Pretty much every restaurant in Europe serves beer..

However, I made the mistake of getting a beer at McD or BK once - theit beer is horrible

Yea, but I got a beer and some McD fries and we brought our cameras in and were taking pictures. Just something you have to do if you get the chance.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer

Originally posted by: Syringer
Based on my experiences in dining in Europe, I found that few, if any restaurants offer:

a) water for free. Those that do make a big deal out it, like you were getting free beer with your meal or something..and even then it's only a cup/bottle, with no refills.
b) soda refills at fast-food places. Fountain machines are usually behind the counter, unlike most places here where you fill your own drink up. Also medium/larges are equivalent to small/mediums over here.
c) ice with your beverages. Usually it'll be touristy places that'll fill your drink with ice, but otherwise you're stuck with warm soda/water.

Even at a buffet place I went to in Barcelona, where you can eat all you want, you only get one refill with your drink, otherwise you pay extra.

Americans who travel to other countries and eat at American chains are just LAME! The argument that fastfood is "cheap and available" is not only untrue even in the U.S. but, certainly untrue in any other country.

Try going to an actual restaurant instead of fastfood or buffets and you might learn that the food is not only better but, the service, price and value is better.

For you gastronomic cowards who can't bear the thought of eating anything they haven't seen before, hurry up and choke on that Big Mac and get off the cross. Somebody else needs the wood.

Eating foreign/exotic foods get old after awhile and sometimes you just crave a Big Mac. There is nothing wrong with sneaking in a Big Mac or Whopper every now and then.

 

[Syringer]

Originally posted by: B00ne

Originally posted by: Syringer

Originally posted by: flexy
did you know that McD in Germany serves beer ? My ex gf pointed that out while in Germany....i never thought anything about it, but now here in the states that thought is ODD And yes....restaurant service in general is WAY below us levels. But then you also do NOT tip.

Pretty much every restaurant in Europe serves beer..

However, I made the mistake of getting a beer at McD or BK once - theit beer is horrible

It depends on the location. I don't think there's a specific McD or BK beer, but each place has its own special local brand. For a euro 1.29 I believe you can get a 20 oz, which is a great deal.

 

[feralkid]

Originally posted by: JS80


3) no such thing as "waste of water"... it's not like it flies to space after we dump it :roll:




No, it goes down the drain into the sewer system where it has to be treated at substantial expense before it can be released back into the environment.

Why do you think water saving toilets and faucets are mandated in "our country"?

How have you managed to remain ignorant of the problems facing cities across the nation to provide clean and plentiful drinking water?

You must be from outer space to not realize how important it is not to waste water.

:roll:

 

[0roo0roo]

they prefer you contribute to global warming by drinking water bottled for no reason then transported by truck, most inefficient bullsh*t concocted ever.

 

[chrisms]

Originally posted by: Naustica

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer

Originally posted by: Syringer
Based on my experiences in dining in Europe, I found that few, if any restaurants offer:

a) water for free. Those that do make a big deal out it, like you were getting free beer with your meal or something..and even then it's only a cup/bottle, with no refills.
b) soda refills at fast-food places. Fountain machines are usually behind the counter, unlike most places here where you fill your own drink up. Also medium/larges are equivalent to small/mediums over here.
c) ice with your beverages. Usually it'll be touristy places that'll fill your drink with ice, but otherwise you're stuck with warm soda/water.

Even at a buffet place I went to in Barcelona, where you can eat all you want, you only get one refill with your drink, otherwise you pay extra.

Americans who travel to other countries and eat at American chains are just LAME! The argument that fastfood is "cheap and available" is not only untrue even in the U.S. but, certainly untrue in any other country.

Try going to an actual restaurant instead of fastfood or buffets and you might learn that the food is not only better but, the service, price and value is better.

For you gastronomic cowards who can't bear the thought of eating anything they haven't seen before, hurry up and choke on that Big Mac and get off the cross. Somebody else needs the wood.

Eating foreign/exotic foods get old after awhile and sometimes you just crave a Big Mac. There is nothing wrong with sneaking in a Big Mac or Whopper every now and then.

I'm big on trying new things but honestly sometimes I just had to get the Big Mac. In Italy for example it could be really difficult to find a take out place and I can't afford to be waited on. I was on about as cheap a budget you can be on in Europe without sleeping on the street. When street food was available I'd jump on it but if I'm trying to tour the city and the only cheap food around is the McDonalds by the train station then screw it I'll scarf one down before heading out.

That is why I liked Asia so much more. Good food everywhere, although not the cleanest, it was affordable. You could pig out in Asia and still be spending under $20/day. Plus I have such a distrust for a Thai Big Mac that is discouraged me from even thinking about trying one.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: Fayd
i noticed that too, op. nowhere in europe could you get a free refill on drinks. bitches....

oh well...yet another reason i <3 america.

Bollocks. I live and work in Europe and the above statement is a bag of crap.

 

[mobobuff]

I couldn't enjoy any meal without something to drink. The food just gets pasty and flavorless if you don't have something to wet your palette.

 

[loic2003]

Also medium/larges are equivalent to small/mediums over here

Are we talking drinks or average butt sizes?

 

[sandorski]

Culture Shock and Bio Shock(peoples bodies adapt to local eating habits)!!!!! Viva la difference!!!!(sp)

 

[Art Vandelay]

Originally posted by: akshatp
If you go to any McD/BK in Europe and want a refill, demand one from the manager. McD's claims they offer free refills at all of their restaurants worldwide. Tell the manager it says this on the corporate website and you will get your free refill of your "large" drink (which is the equivalent of our small)

Going to Europe to eat at McD? ROFL.

 

[aidanjm]

still water is best served at room temperature anyway

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: aidanjm
still water is best served at room temperature anyway

Depends on the temperature around you. If its hot outside, I want a cold water. If its cold outside, I definitely don't want ice in my glass of water, but neither do I want it piping hot.

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: Bateluer

Originally posted by: aidanjm
still water is best served at room temperature anyway

Depends on the temperature around you. If its hot outside, I want a cold water. If its cold outside, I definitely don't want ice in my glass of water, but neither do I want it piping hot.

Room temperature is always best.

 

[chusteczka]

Originally posted by: Syringer
Why are Europeans so stingy about water/soda?

Life is different in other parts of the world. These differences create customs unique to the various characteristics that create them. It helps to understand the reasons why life is different for any specific area.

Eastern Europe, specifically Poland, prefers not to drink plain water since this is often polluted and empty. There is a common understanding that plain water is for the peasants. This is not as bad as it sounds since plain water is devoid of all nutrients, it has nothing in it that is beneficial to the body. Someone drinking a glass of plain water is essentially has nothing and is drinking nothing. Of course, this understanding is in comparison to the natural spring (mineral) water that flows freely from the ground like a fountain in some places. This natural spring water in Poland is probably the highest quality water that can be found anywhere in the world since it is naturally filled with minerals. Sometimes this water is also naturally carbonated, depending on the location.

Continuing the understanding that plain water is empty of any nutrients leads to the desire to consume a beverage with something in it such as fruit juice or tea. That would be water combined with something of benefit to the body.

This is also combined with the food in Eastern Europe. Now that the Soviet Union has discontinued stealing all the food from Poland and other Eastern European countries, food has returned to its historical standard of overabundance, cheap, and high quality. Unprocessed food in Poland is in higher quantity per person and quality than here in America. The name, Poland, is derived from Polanie, meaning "the people of the fields".

Additionally, the food is very cheap. Such high quality, unprocessed food does not readily create obesity like the processed food here in America does. Moreover, a society that relies on walking and public transportation more than it does on private automobiles provides a need for higher nutritional intake than we need in America. Based on this reasoning, oil and gas supplement America's lack of high quality food.

It is unfortunate that cheap and abundant food historically provides for a weak economy. This concept is something I would like to learn more about.

Originally posted by: Midlander

Originally posted by: BillyBatson
... you do not drink liquids because it fills you up, so you eat only and fill yourself up with real food and once full you can drink.

Sounds like a recipe for obesity.

This customary method of eating does not create obesity since other cultures do not rely on personal automobiles for transportation. Walking from to and from the bus and train burns calories in a way that Americans are not used to.

Originally posted by: dullard
But why are the people here eating at McDonald's in Europe? That is just wrong. You travel to another country to experience the country and instead you eat at an American place (and the worst possible American place at that).

:thumbsup:

Originally posted by: chambersc
Well, that's your own shortcoming now isn't it. If Asserting your rights (in this sense getting what you've payed for) is being an "ugly American" then :music: I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free :music:

This is the most awful, propaganda ridden song I have ever heard. It gives me flashbacks and nightmares from USN bootcamp where I first heard it. Additionally, this attitude is part of what creates the impression of "ugly Americans".

Originally posted by: dighn
man I wouldn't drink tap water anywhere outside of the NA. actually even in NA I'm wary of drinking tap water directly. but then I had the notion "DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER DIRECTLY" firmly embedded into my brain from my chinese education

So true.

Originally posted by: BillyBatson
me either. My uncle one told me when i was a kid he does not drink his water until after he eats so he doesn't fill up pn water but i can't eat a lot if i don't drink water! Once i get thirsty i can't eat any more food until i drink something whether it is to lubricate my mouth again or wash away any of the taste in my mouth for a sec to start over. Needless to say i don't really eat there anymore or i eat when the parents aren't around so we can have water

It takes a little getting used to. The stomach does not digest the food as well when it is filled with water since water dilutes the stomach acid necessary for digestion, thereby creating stomach discomfort (gastric stress?).

Originally posted by: B00ne
Well, thats because our food is good - so there is no need to wash it down

I America I never drank that free water. American tap water is disgusting - kinda like drinking a swimming pool.

:thumbsup:

 

[aidanjm]

.

 

[LS20]

my euro friends dont like ice in soda cups because soda from fountain are cold enough and it just means less soda volume.

ive never had problem getting water in europe, though they do serve it in tiny tiny cups

 

[Savarak]

Originally posted by: mrzed
Confirmed that the fill-yer-own cup is a Yankee thing only. Here in stoned-gay wedding land of the north, it is very rare to see self-serve soda.

Perhaps another one of the reasons our obesity rates don't quite soar as high, while the Euros are even less corpulent. I have always noticed a big jump in average serving sizes when I head south. Even if it seems like we start to catch up, you guys up the ante again. Went to Japan to visit a friend, and was interested to note that most Japanese fast food places don't have sizes, just sandwich, drink, fries. All are barely above what we would call Kids here in Canada (or free sample in the USA I suppose). Strangely, the average Japanese middle aged person is fairly trim, and fat people (here they would seem just chubby) are relatively rare. Transferring at Seattle on the way home, the largeness was all the more shocking after weeks in a country where most people are normal sized.

i laughed at that

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: davestar

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: BurnItDwn
Some additional Questions:

Why is it that in the states, everyone assumes I want my pop cold, so they put ice in it without even asking?
Why is it that in the states, some restaurants don't even serve beer, and those that do usually only serve a small list of options, and even then, those rare few that carry several good ales, ALWAYS serve their ale ice cold, rather then "cellar temperature" like it should be?
Why is is that in the states, they always serve water in a lot of places, even if you don't want any water? That seems like a waste of water!

1) They don't care how you want your "pop," it saves them money to give you a lot of ice and a little soda.

2) Liquor licenses are HELLA expensive and some beers don't sell. Thus, it's profitable for the business (that's all we care about it profits, btw) to only sell the alcohol that sells.

3) Water prevents you from consuming too much of x (x = alcohol, food, other drinks, or other food stuffs). It will get you out quicker so they can make more money off of you.

The business of business is money.

count on ATOT to answer all of your rhetorical questions.

who said his questions were rhetorical?

 

[CalvinHobbs]

well water is a commodity in some places in the world