Costly Coffee

Some time ago I decided to stop buying coffee at Starbucks. I enjoy their coffee, but was quite irritated that they charged for wifi. I mean, the coffee's expensive enough, right? So... I decided to stick to Beaner's, where I both enjoy their coffee AND get free wifi. (I hear that now Starbucks provides free wifi, but no matter...).

I recently discovered that their short chai latte isn't as sweet as Beaner's, so I decided to give them another try. I stopped by this morning to pick one up (you have to actually ask for a "short"--they don't have it on the menu), and was very surprised at both (1) the size, and (2) the cost.

I pulled up to the drive-through order window (something I always appreciate), and asked for a short chai latte with soy.

"You mean the 8 ounce size, right?", asked the barista.

"Sure." I responded.

I pulled up to the window to pay, and the woman said, "That will be $3.66".

Honestly, I didn't really think about it at first. I suppose I just thought the "short" was the same size as a "regular" at other places. Everything is bigger at Starbucks, right?

The barista handed me the smallest cup of non-espresso coffee I've ever seen. I asked her, "This was $3.66?"

"Yes," she responded. "Soy costs extra."

I gave her a questioning look, but took the damn thing anyway and headed to work. When I got there, I realized I needed some photographic evidence of the Lilliputian size of this cup. So, I set about taking pictures of the cup next to other things that might provide some scale. Here's what I came up with:

Tiny coffee next to a business card (at first, I used a credit card but then realized that was probably not the best idea for online posting).

Tiny coffee next to a "fun size" bag of M&Ms.

Tiny coffee next to the cups I *used* to think were small in Baker Hall.

Tiny coffee next to my wireless mouse.

I have to say... none of the pictures really do the size justice. The cup is so tiny & cute, I've decided to save it to take even more pictures next to other things. Because after all, everyone needs a hobby. AND THIS COST ME $3.66!