Remember, it's Amsterdam, I'm alone, and I'm on vacation, so a 4 p.m. Martini is downright civil behavior. I order the Martini. The guy then proceeds to take out about four measuring devices that made the pouring of this Martini seem like open-heart surgery. Anyway, staring in bludgeoned amazement at this exact and sterile process, I was finally presented with the cocktail. I was grateful.
Perspective is important.
Maybe perception of what is American is not far from reality. It was one of those very clear moments where you understand who you are in relation to the rest of the world. A very relaxed pinpoint of time. Now that's a thought. An hour passes, second Martini in hand, and a woman walks in.