Boomer and I cannot believe that it is our last day in Arezzo! We are so happy to be traveling to Roma tomorrow but we will miss Arezzo so much! Of course, Boomer is not too happy about leaving his favorite coffee shop, so of course we had to make one last pit stop to get his caffeine fix for the day. The place I'm talking about is called Coffee O'Clock! It is right next to our "casa" or house, so we've become regulars there, ordering cappuccinos and doughnuts every morning on our way to class. Coffee O'Clock, however, is a very different coffee shop when it is compared to the other bars of Arezzo. For one, it has a very modern look to it, with very sleek aluminum bars and eclectic colors that are very relaxing. It is the perfect spot to order an espresso or "un caffe" and talk with friends. The next thing that separates Coffee O'Clock from other coffee stops (because there are many!) is the fact that they serve their coffee or espresso with shots of flavors. For example, one could order a vanilla cappuccino or a caramel macchiato. Boomer and I both enjoy a Nutella cappuccino- it tastes just like chocolate milk!
Gotta love that coffee on the go!
We've been noticing how much of a coffee culture Italy has to offer. For instance, did you know that the history of coffee itself is in depth and lengthy?!
Click here to read an extensive history of where coffee comes from and how it plays a part in Italy's history. Coffee was once considered taboo or bad! It even was condemned in a sense that it was like alcohol and deemed as a drink that was for lower classes. However, over time, coffee became an acceptable part of society and rose to the rankings of the class systems, changing it's stereotype to that of a luxury item. (Remember that fact next time that you are drinking coffee!) It's popularity has continued to this day, where it can be accessed by anyone at anytime!
Italian coffee, however, is not like the coffee that we Americans think of. For instance, when you order a coffee or "un caffe" at a bar in Italy, you would get a shot of espresso! Espresso is a very dark, rich liquid of pure coffee, with very little water. It can be sweetened with sugar and it is usually offered with a glass of water to cleanse your palette after you are done. If you want to wake up, then enjoy your espresso! This is the most common form of coffee that you will find in Italy, but for many Americans, it is too strong and too bitter (even with sugar!). Americans would instead order what is called a "caffe Americano". This is an espresso with water added. It is like the coffee that we think of in America, but it is also much stronger than some of the coffee that we think of. Check out the differences between American coffee and Italian coffee
here!
Click here for a list of different types of coffee that is offered in Italy and how it is made!
Our favorite barista!
Another form of coffee (Boomer's favorite!) is the cappuccino! This glorious drink of caffeine is espresso and steamed milk. (
Click here for some more info!) It is generally viewed as a breakfast drink, imbibed before 11:00 in the morning- so do not be surprised by the strange glances you may receive if you ask for one later in the day! However, Boomer recommends that you order a cappuccino, especially with an apricot filled croissant! It is delicious!
One more tip for coffee and bar behavior that is very different from the American coffee experience! Italians do not eat their food on the go or much less order their food "to-go"! Simply, they order their caffe and pastries and stand at the bar to chat and eat. They do not gulp down their drink and they use their napkins to hold their pastries in their hands while they eat (it helps that the portions are very moderate). When they are done they clean their mouth and leave their cups where they had eaten. Then they wave "Ciao, Grazie!" (Goodbye, Thanks!) and go about their day. This is much different than how most American coffee shops are, especially when we view Starbucks. Typically, we tend to grab our coffee and rush out the door, eating and drinking our food on our way to school, or throughout our day.
Boomer and I will definitely miss the experiences that we have been having in Arezzo! It is exciting to see how similar and different the United States and Italy are in even the littlest of details, such as coffee. But then again, that's what makes traveling abroad so exhilarating and worth while! We will be sure to bring back some of our favorite coffee recipes and orders to see how they taste in the United States!
Ciao for now!!
