Times they are just rollin' along. Starbucks just opened in the nation that gave us Espresso and even more importantly, the language of Espresso. They seem to be off to a glorious start, the news article on TV panned over a large very posh and ornate space, and mentioned that the prices were about double what one would pay in the States.

And they skipped Rome and Naples and opened in milan.

Apparently it's a pet project of Howard Schulz, the CEO, who had previously announced his retirement. Sounds like he's going out with a vanity project.

I was a patron of the original store in Seattle, then in Anchorage I became a supporter of a local brand, then drifted back to Starbucks. I was impressed when they opened a shop in The Forbidden City (which I believe they've since lost), and am more impressed that they've tackled Italy. I, for one, wish them well in a bemused sort of way.