On a train to a tech conference in Freiburg im Breisgau
Ask the steward if she can fetch me a café allongé
"Sorry, monsieur," she says. "But due to VAT regulations, we are prohibited from serving espresso drinks on international trains passing through Northeast France after 1pm on Tuesdays."
"Not a problem," I say.
And she walks away.
If this were America, we'd be packed onto a stuffy plane and I'd likely have screamed at her, starting a brawl with every passenger.
Instead, I simply look out the window at the beautiful European countryside and admire our civilized society that couldn't exist anywhere else.
Thank you, Europe.