A Journey to Every Starbucks in the World

Posted by Mike Richard on June 24, 2007
Filed under: Rants

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I’m the first person to applaud perseverance and achieving one’s goals. Your life is your life - do whatever makes you happy and never compromise.

But, seriously: what personal growth can come out of visiting every Starbucks in the world? On the heels of a measured debate on “meaningless” travel with several Vagabondish readers, I happened across Winter (no last name, just Winter, which should tell you something about this chap right off the bat) - a fellow who is planning to do just that.

Via his website StarbucksEverwhere.net:

Hello, my name is Winter, and I have never been a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, but since 1997 (the same year Wu-Tang Forever was released) I’ve been trying to visit every Starbucks in the world. Why? Well, I’m not obsessed, if that’s what you’re thinking, though I do consider myself something of an compulsive maniac enthusiast. No, my reason is simply to do something completely different.

Wow, he does sound pretty whacky, doesn’t he? He’s probably the whackiest guy at the office! Still not sold? Check out this interview via Fox News:

“I wanted to do something nobody had ever done before.” I don’t believe anyone’s ever committed to sticking their head in every public toilet around the world either. There’s a reason: they’re both stupid ideas.

Given the throngs of scantily clad Starbucks groupies inevitably following him around the country, I can’t imagine how he’s finding the free time to commit to all this travel.

Deep breath. [sigh] My therapist would probably tell me that I’m “projecting” my anger on him because I can’t travel myself. She’s probably right.

I need a coffee.

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Vagabondish editor Mike Richard lives in Rhode Island - a small patch of land in the northeastern U.S. He is a professional web designer and travel junkie with an unhealthy addiction to backpacking, camping, hiking and seeing the world. He enjoys knit hats and speaking in the third person.



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Comments

Dave
June 24th, 2007 - 5:42 pm

I’d like to project a little too. This guy is a dork! :)


nina
June 25th, 2007 - 9:19 am

Actually, it *is* different. Possibly not the best idea, but not as terrible as some would think. Then again, I *do* make it a point to at least try the Mc Donald’s, Starbucks, Burger King or Hard Rock Cafe in each country I go to. I tell myself I do it because 1) it’s some sort of comfort zone and 2) to observe the subtle differences in each country.

Meh, I’m a dork. lol


Mike
June 26th, 2007 - 9:18 am

Nina - I’m with you. I sometimes make it a point to try little tastes of “home” while I’m traveling.

The difference is that those side-trips are a very small part of the journey and the destination, rather than being the actual journey and destination. It’s one thing to try a Big Mac while you happen to be in Egypt. It’s another kettle of fish to fly to Egypt specifically for a Big Mac.


Funchilde
June 26th, 2007 - 10:37 pm

i didn’t watch the clip, but if this is the same guy, i remember reading about him and he doesn’t even LIKE starbucks beverages! now that to me is where you lost me. If he was like, the world’s most passionate coffee drinker/barista in training, then sure..i can see the charm but he lost me. I am however one of those dorkified holier than thou travelers that is impressed when anyone gets off the couch so…i won’t dog him out too bad.


Mike
June 27th, 2007 - 10:27 am

Philosophically, I’m with you Funchilde - I want to be happy for anyone who gets off their keester to step out and see the world. But my instinctive reaction is: “Starbucks?!?”

Perhaps I need not be so judgmental.