In Holland more and more people no longer make real coffee, but instead serve a surrogate in pads. The lack of flavour that ends up in my mug this way, will get me through the curve to the point of being ready to commit murder in no time.

My sympathies, Savi010. I feel your pain... Maybe you could start a support group and help fellow sufferers to cope?

Luckely most of the time I find myself in good company, which means a proper pot of coffee is made. But the soluble stuff is penetrating our society. When I was in Ireland with my boyfriend, we were flabbergasted to find out that most bars and supermarkets only offered instant coffee. How in the h*ll were they able to come up with the recepee for Irish Coffee if they don't know how to appreciate the most important ingredient: good quality coffee. Fortunately it proved still possible to buy the real stuff, thanks to the Polish immigrants who have come to Ireland in the last few years. So, next time we go there, we'll take our own pot to make sure we'll get the necessary caffeine to get us through the day.

Gee, it's been a many a year since instant coffee shamed us in our cafes, hotels, bars and restaurants. Perhaps the B & B's are still in transition.(After all, we a nation of tea drinkers ) I'm happy to see we have not completely scared you away. Perhaps when you return you will be pleasantly surprised at how far we have come, coffee-wise. Better be safe though, bring the pot

Instant coffee should only be used in extreme emergencies. Nothing but the real deal is served in MY house and won't ever be. *shudder*

@ carrerinyes: Ireland is so beautiful that not even bad coffee can keep us away. But by bringing our own pot we'll get the best of all .

@Savi010: So nice of you to say. Let me know when you're coming. I'll treat you guys to an Irish Coffee.

Thanks for the offer! We'll bring the coffee, you take care of the other ingredients?

Ja! Done deal