About the $130 charged for water. You have this kid working behind the counter, someone comes in for water the tab is $130, how does this kid know he's not going to be out $130?

If you're boycotting Starbucks because of this and you like SB, contact them and see if there is an emergancy policy in place so this won't happen again.
The corporation may not have charged the Firefighter $130, the employee did.

My first trip to Europe started at Rome where there was, and still is, a McDonalds at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. This didn't please me, but no-one tried to force me to eat there, nor has anyone ever tried to make me drink Starbucks in Amsterdam or anywhere else.
I make a motion to close debate/discussion on this matter and get back to helping travelers with real questions.
;-) ;-) ;-)

Compared to some of the stuff that happens ON the Spanish Steps, the presence of a McDonalds seems rather tame

Compared to some of the stuff that happens IN Amsterdam, the presence of a Starbucks seems rather tame. :=)

I think MacDonalds are entering into the spirit of 'liberal Europe' - according to the news today, you get free condoms with Happy Meals in Switzerland....

http://news.uk.msn.com/odd-news/arti...entid=16602181

I have not yet ever been to a Starbucks. Maybe some day, who knows?