But there are people who take salt with their coffee. They say it gives a tang, a savour, which is peculiar and fascinating. In the same way there are certain places, surrounded by a halo of romance, to which the inevitable disillusionment you experience on seeing them gives a singular spice. You had expected something wholly beautiful and you get an impression which is infinitely more complicated than any that beauty can give you. It is the weakness in the character of a great man which may make him less admirable but certainly more interesting. Nothing had prepared me for Honolulu...

Summary

This quote by W. Somerset Maugham touches on the idea that unexpected flaws or shortcomings can add depth and intrigue to a person or a place. Just as adding salt to coffee creates a unique and compelling taste experience, certain locations surrounded by a romantic reputation might offer a more complex and fascinating reality. The initial expectation of pure beauty can be shattered, leading to a deeper and more nuanced impression. This can be seen in the example of the speaker's experience with Honolulu, where the author may have anticipated a picturesque paradise but instead discovered a more intricate and captivating reality.

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