[8f2ab37a-ed6c]

The Italian morning caffè ritual is already extremely fast: the barista works at the speed of light and the coffee you get is pretty standard, but in exchange you get a moment to rub shoulders "al banco" with others like you about to go into work, or elders just getting out of the house, a mother taking her kid to school, a policeman taking a break. You say hi to the same few people you've been seeing at the establishment for years. It's familiar and heartwarming.

It's a sprinkling of human connection as you start your day. A small homage to the tradition of coffee culture. Your grandparents did it, your parents did it, you did it, your kids will do it, etc. You rejoice in knowing that, as everything else changes around you, maybe this one minuscule secular ritual will stand the test of time and provide a symbolic sense of continuity with the past.

[UomoNeroNero]

The wonderful feeling of walking into YOUR café, giving that special look to the barista, a smile, and he darts off at 100 km/h to make YOUR coffee (long, short, espresso, mochaccino) while he was already making a thousand others. In 3 seconds he already has YOUR favorite croissant in his hand, the water. “The usual?” You nod, smiling. A greeting glance to the regulars “of your hour.” Breakfast, you pay, you smile. If you have two minutes, you skim the newspaper while eating your croissant, because that’s just what you do, even if you already skimmed the news in a rush on the toilet on your phone. It’s a happy and friendly way to start the active part of the day. To feel like you’re part of your community. I love it — no vending machine or Starbucks can ever match it.

[matwood]

Part of the issue is Americans get huge drinks to go. Italy seems to have espresso available on every corner so people just stop when they want one.

I love living in Italy and being part of the local cafe ritual. It’s one of the things that drew me here.

[TurkishPoptart]

I used to love this, until a latte started to cost $8. Now it's a luxury, and we can make this at home with a Nespresso for about ~$1 per drink.

[nluken]

Despite worries about creeping prices, coffee in Italy averages around €1.20 for an espresso or €1.50 for a cappuccino [1]. Way different than in a major American city.

[1]: https://www.ft.com/content/ccd7ef60-cef2-4b03-b4a4-63fa32854...

[8f2ab37a-ed6c]

Definitely easier on the wallet in Italy where an espresso is say, 1.15 euro or in that ballpark.