Americans run on Dunkins

           As an Amerian living in Europe I'm always having to fight against the stereotypes that Europeans have of us Americans.  They think we only eat hamburgers and fries every day. I'm sorry, but burgers are for summer BBQs and furthuremore the origins of hamburgers are not clear, some think it began in North America while others say it began here in Europe.  Also, Europeans think that Americans only eat fast food and there have been times I'm with European friends to go out for tapas and they ask me if I would feel more comfortable eating at Burger King.  The only times in the past 8 years that I've eaten at a McDonalds or Burger King was when I was traveling and extremely short on cash, otherwise I avoid the places like the plague.
           It's frustrating always having to battle against the bad name Americans have aquired in Europe throughout the years due to what they see on TV, in films and from the study abroad students and tourtists who perpetuate the stereotypes. It's unfair to generalize and say that all American's are fat, work-obsessed, fast-food crazed, and egocentric... yes some are fat, some are work obessesed, some love their fast food, and some do think that the US of A is the absolute best place to live and work in the world.  But we're not all like that, I wouldn't even say the majority are like that..
           As an American I'm associated with McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Subway, Starbucks and just recently Dunkin Coffee, the european version of Dunkin Donuts. I have to admit now that I unfortunately fall into that stereotypical category of Americans always in a hurry and relying on fast food; I love my dunkins! I was estatic when I was walking to work one day 2 years ago and passed a newly openen Dunkin Coffee on the corner of a plaza which I walk through almost every day.  Then, to my surprise, a second one opened right across the street from my academy!
            Dunkin Donuts has a special spot in my heart, not because I think they have the greatest coffee or that their donuts are the best pastries, but because it was my first job when I was 15 years old and also as a New Englander  I grew up with Dunkin Donuts and NOT Starbucks.  I enjoy not having to worry about preparing my coffee at home before work, that I can just dish out the 1 euro and get my freshly brewed café con leche in the ever sturdy white, orange and pink cardboard cup.  It's true that the coffee here at Dunkins isn't the same as back home, but I love it none-the-less. I love walking with my cardboard cup in hand down the street to my building.  Most Spaniards think it's strange that I take my coffee to go. They would prefer to spend the leisurely half an hour sipping theirs in one of the comfortable chairs in the back of the café.  Well, I'm sorry, I haven't got that kind of time.  I am still American and I am usually always in a rush, and I like my coffee to go. So that's that.  And I like Dunkins coffee to go.  I like having my little bit of home, my comfort-coffee if you will, here in Granada with me and the donuts every now and then aren't that bad either.

        So what for a guilty pleasure? If it makes you happy... and oh it does :-)