I think an important point was made by NZ about the difference in coffee experience. Here in Canada, (unfortunately) it's about getting in a drive thru lineup and drinking average drip brewed coffee. If it is a coffee house, it is more about the sit-read-chat experience than good coffee. In France it is all about sitting at the cafe (usually outdoor with vehicle traffic) so you can chat for an hour while you wait for your shot and be able to pay for it. (As a go-go-go tourist this didn't suit me well). Germany basically had Italian espresso cafes and nice cafes if you wanted some (amazing) Kuchen and a nice coffee. Note- the Germans (and Swiss and Austrians) are very picky with their food and coffee so quality was high. Coffee-wise I thought Italy was great. You go to the bar, they serve you, you get your shot and you are on your way. (Excellent while on 100km rides in Tuscany). For this reason I would argue that Italy is a good place to learn to be a Barista since it was not about the experience of sitting and chatting - only the coffee. Add to that, I am sure the locals would shun the place if they produced a lousy product. Needless to say, they did serve an excellent espresso. Not only that, the Baristas were charming (even with a language barrier), loved what they were doing, and were thrilled to see me pleased with their espresso. Like I mentioned, Italian cafes are about the coffee - nothing else. I can not say the same for the other countries I mentioned as well as others I have visited because in those countries you are also there for the experience of being there. If they served a half-decent product, people would still return. Did someone mention extreme heat? It is -20^C here. Time for a ski.
