Hircherts in Rio: Coffee to go? Say what?

It's funny (not really) to notice how much we can change over the years...I thought adapting to life in Brazil would be far easier than life in Turkey. After all, I was born and raised here...Well, we do change a lot between our 20's and 40's! We become more 'set in our ways' and creatures of habit.

As far as habits are concerned, I pretty much had a coffee drinking routine/habit, which I've been 'forced' to change. Before coming to Brazil, I was thinking about the famous padarias (bakeries) and the amazing coffee we'd be enjoying during our stay. However, I'd completely forgotten about the fact that in Brazil coffee is to be enjoyed at the table, not on the go. The first time I asked to have my coffee to go, the girl behind the counter looked at me kind of funny and went looking for a container. I then realized that 'to go' cups were not as popular around here. Then, she handed me a paper bag with the coffee cup inside...odd! How could I drink it on the way to the office? I looked inside the bag and realized that I wouldn't be able to drink it until I got to the office. The styrofoam cup had a lid with no opening for one to sip on the go...Who would want to do that? You must be a foreigner! Coffee is supposed to be sipped slowly at a table! I now enjoy my coffee at home before leaving for work and then order a espresso after lunch like any 'normal' Brazilian...