For some time, I've been intrigued by an odd correlation. At the risk of being told by Phil (yet again) that I'm lowering the tone of the place, I thought I'd bring it up here to seek any insights or thoughts.
It seems to me that the two European nations most obsessed with coffee (other than the Italians) are the Dutch and the Germans.
Coincidentally, both countries appear to go in for building lavatories, the bowls of which are equipped with inspection shelves that appear to serve the purpose of allowing the user to inspect their own waste product. (Correct me if I'm wrong about this -- I've never found anyone who would explain the design to me, so it may serve some other purpose all together.)
I wonder, does this obsession with one's bowel movements account for the high levels of coffee consumption in these two countries?
For additional credit, what possible light does this thread cast on the topic?