I have never once ordered a bottle of sparkling water at a restaurant in the United States. I am not sure what they would do if I did.
Why would I? In America, humongous glasses of ice-filled tap water are presented to you when you sit down. Free of charge. Unlimited refills. No questions.
Not so in Europa. You want water? You order water.
“Order water?”
“Yes, what kind of water do you want?”
“There are different kinds of water?”
“Yes, sparkling or still. One has gas, and one doesn’t.”
“Gas?”
“Yes. . . bubbles.”
“You mean it’s carbonated?”
“Yes, gas, that’s sparkling. Still water has no gas.”
“They don’t just bring you plain old water?”
“Ahhh. . . no. And you pay for it, but first you have to tell them the kind you want.”
“Really? You pay for water at a restaurant?”
“Yes. Sometimes they will give you still water for free, but don’t count on it.”
I only order water with gas in Europe. I don’t know why. I think it’s because it seems more elegant and refined. Am I trying to impress my waiter with my sophistication? Probably. I also guess it’s because I have to pay for it so I want something. . . I don’t know, fancier.
“Well, at least the ice is free?”
“Sorry, no ice.”
“No ice?”
“That’s another post.”
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