globalization is. . .

Odd. It simply is; to be on a plane for 11 hours straight to arrive in a different country, continent ,and hemisphere while everything continues to be an extremely familiar, recognizable environment. Yet the feeling of reality askew occurs only while arriving at a local supermarket complex to see a "Nuts 4 Nuts" cart quietly wafting smoke away in front of a "Dunkin' Donuts" logo resting over an employee diligently inspecting their nails.

Facts I find amusing regarding this situation:

1) "Nuts 4 Nuts" was started in New York City, USA, by a Chilean immigrant who then decided to export it back home. In Santiago, and around the country, Nuts 4 Nuts stands continue to be placed in non-classic locations: new mega-malls, shopping centers, and boutique fairs. They are only haphazardly frequented.

Roasted nut carts run by cute little old men with a handful of sales tricks (dirty jokes for a male clientele, predictions of success in life and love for children, along with a bevy of gentlemanly compliments for women) continue to thrive in more classic locations: in the middle of downtown strips, flea markets and on the corners of old shopping centers, theatres and clubs.

In fact, the only time a Chilean would actually buy from a Nuts 4 Nuts stand is if they were in New York... for the novelty of it. I do this.

2) If in Chile, do not get coffee at Dunkin' Donuts. I repeat, do not. First off, they do not have "cups of coffee" as we in the US have. They have espresso drinks. And trust me, you do not want Dunkin' Donuts espresso drinks. In Chile. Also, if in on business, do not go to executive cafes. That is, unless you enjoy being served coffee by women in minis, halters, and heels in a male-executive dominated environment. Women executives and wives out for socials tend to have to endure visits to these locales.

The cafes were widely known of in high society but unspoken outside until a news network did a high level expose around a decade ago. There was some outcry in eminist circles, but for the most part the report was mocked as being alarmist, prudish, and unnecessary in singling out a most traditional Chilean activity. Japan has their geishas, Chileans have their lingerie catalog baristas.

I've turned down invitations to the above mentioned cafes from uncles and older male family friends a few times. Personally, I prefer my coffee served clothed.