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<h2>Mastering the Coffee Trifecta: Rules for Sipping Like an Italian</h2>From cappuccino curfews to espresso etiquette, here’s how to savor each sip like a local<figure id="figure-0z8goulucm2t9swv3"><img id="0z8goulucm2t9swv3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/15pvJDw3npVM5dbHejprn25dKm4MNMuMVkjiOZlXVEpfI34IC3yM4ZOqyC5zeTla.jpg" alt="black magnifying glass on map" title="black magnifying glass on map" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="30%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>As I sit here and sip my morning coffee, I think about the delicious cappuccino I had in Italy—creamy, strong, and full of flavor. But then I remember the first time I was in Italy, stopping at a bar (or café, as they call it) for an afternoon pick-me-up. When I tried to order a cappuccino, the barista literally laughed at me and said, “No.”The Italians take their coffee seriously, with rules, traditions, and rituals that every local, especially that barista, lives by.Morning: Cappuccino, Cornetto, and la calma Cappuccino is for the morning only, and never after 11:00 a.m. Italians consider milk-heavy drinks like cappuccino a meal replacement, so you won’t see locals drinking it after breakfast. Milk is viewed as too heavy on the stomach later in the day and can interfere with digestion. (This is also why Italians take a shot of limoncello after dinner—it helps digest a heavy meal of pasta.)The typical morning ritual is what I call the Coffee Trifecta: Cappuccino, Cornetto, and la calma—a moment of calm before the day’s chaos.I feel like I experience my own version of la calma every morning, sipping my coffee with my dog at my side, mentally preparing for the day. While I don’t include a cornetto, I might need to rethink that. Cornetto is Italy’s version of a croissant—flaky and delicious. For an extra treat, try a cornetto alla crema (a croissant filled with custard). I’ve also enjoyed them filled with jelly, cream, and even Nutella.&nbsp; Midday: Espresso, Macchiato, and Caffè Lungo By midday, it’s time to switch gears. Italians switch to caffè (espresso), caffè lungo, or macchiato. These drinks focus on quick, efficient energy.Espresso—referred to simply as caffè—is usually enjoyed standing at the bar and consumed in a single gulp. There’s no lingering with oversized to-go cups here. If you want something gentler, try a macchiato—an espresso with just a “stain” of milk foam (in Italian, macchia means “stain” or “spot”).A caffè lungo offers a slightly longer sip, with more water added, but it’s still far from an American drip coffee.Afternoon: Caffè Shakerato and Affogato Afternoon coffee is all about recharging. Two popular options are caffè shakerato and affogato.A few weeks ago, my daughter asked, “Hey mom, do you want a shaken espresso?” She definitely knows my love language! A caffè shakerato is a chilled espresso, shaken with ice and sugar until frothy—a refreshing treat for a hot day. And mine was perfect!For those craving something sweet, try an affogato—a scoop of creamy gelato “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso. It’s the perfect blend of bitter and sweet, ideal for a mid-afternoon indulgence.<figure id="figure-gmg54sj17sm2t9k3c2"><img id="gmg54sj17sm2t9k3c2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1WYewcb5s5WiHtenMfyPIBxZWnKYS9D45lx5KtfeTGHZzOtzqW2vRdi9AGL3fl3r.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 45% 100%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="My daughter's affagato in Florence Italy" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1WYewcb5s5WiHtenMfyPIBxZWnKYS9D45lx5KtfeTGHZzOtzqW2vRdi9AGL3fl3r.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 45% 100%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">My daughter's affagato in Florence Italy</figcaption></figure>&nbsp; Evening: Digestivi and Caffè Corretto Evenings are for digestive drinks only. If you’re craving coffee after dinner, order a caffè corretto—an espresso “corrected” with a splash of liquor, usually grappa or sambuca. It’s Italy’s way of wrapping up a meal on a smooth, caffeinated note. Though honestly, I still wonder how they sleep!&nbsp; Etiquette: No Custom Orders or To-Go Cups The rules don’t end with what to drink. There’s also coffee etiquette:No to-go cups: Italians enjoy their coffee standing at the counter, not walking around. Order first, pay after: Bars encourage patrons to enjoy their drink before paying. Stick to the menu: Don’t expect to customize your order with almond milk or vanilla syrup. Save that for when you’re back in the States! The bar is not a hangout: Think of it as a quick pit stop, not a cozy café. Order, sip, and move on—another form of the trifecta. &nbsp; Final Thoughts: Sip Slowly, Savor Deeply As I reach for my second American cup, I reflect on what I’ve learned from Italian coffee culture: it’s not just about the caffeine buzz. It’s about embracing the little joys in life, pausing to connect with your surroundings, and indulging in la calma.So, next time you’re in Italy, follow the rules. Savor each sip, and say “Buongiorno!” to the full coffee experience.

Mastering Italian Coffee

New year 2024 concept. Text 2024 written on the road in the middle of asphalt road with at sunset. Concept of planning, goal, challenge, new year resolution.

<figure id="figure-ozp8g1ipom366o677" class=""><img id="ozp8g1ipom366o677" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16B91jNR9iQjTxD7JVU3TLORRBhJmXgsHaESHEQREnBg8BGVbQn1a2v9fWGoJpPa.jpg" alt="CAA Travel Agency office in Ottawa, Canada" title="CAA Travel Agency office in Ottawa, Canada" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl selected" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16B91jNR9iQjTxD7JVU3TLORRBhJmXgsHaESHEQREnBg8BGVbQn1a2v9fWGoJpPa.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure>Today marks one year of being a travel advisor and the proud owner of Go Away Travel! Partnering with Travel Planners International has turned my dream into a reality, and it's been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve finally found a career that allows me to blend creativity, knowledge of Europe and beyond, and the joy of helping others create lasting memories through incredible vacations.A Journey That Sparked a Passion for TravelFrom 2015 to 2017, my family had the amazing privilege of living in Ascot, England. For two unforgettable years, we embraced a life I never took for granted. I made wonderful friends through the international school my daughter attended, and we regularly ventured into Windsor for day trips.I visited Windsor Castle so many times, I could practically lead tours! I knew where to find the ivory game cabinet, the perfect window to view the Queen’s rose garden, where the Long Walk begins, and the secret entrance to the moat garden. I knew the best place to wait for the Royal Guard band to perform and where the best place to be up front for the Changing of the Guards, which by the way, is much better in Windsor than at Buckingham.We also spent many days in London, discovering new things through guided walks. (If you’re ever in London and want to explore, check out London Walks www.walks.com for a fantastic selection of tours led by the best historians.) I learned where the oldest coffee house is, ate my way through London on a Foodies tour and had the #1 Fish &amp; Chips (it's at Poppies), visited Harry Potter filming locations, and even went on a Jack the Ripper tour led by a guide dressed as Sherlock Holmes—what an adventure!It was during those two years living abroad as an expat that my love for travel began. And it's because of that love for travel that I found my passion as a travel advisor.In the last year, I have helped 64 travelers:<ul style=""><li style="">2 group trips to Thailand for missions</li><li style="">Honeymooners to Punta Cana, DR</li><li style="">3 separate trips to Italy</li><li style="">A sister's getaway to Scotland and Ireland</li><li style="">Crete, Greece for 3 besties graduating from college</li><li style="">A couple touring Paris for the 1st time</li><li style="">A river cruise down the Danube for a couple who have been saving for a year</li><li style="">A sabbital cruise to New England onboard a cruiseship</li><li style="">Multi-generational trip to Universal Studios in Orlando</li><li style="">A Family traveling throughout Europe</li><li style="">A couple celebrating birthdays in Florida</li><li style="">A Christmas celebration in Punta Cana DR</li><li style="">A couple travel protection policies</li><li style="">And 7 individuals going to Christmas markets in Austria and Germany</li></ul>If you're looking for your next adventure, reach out. I truly love planning amazing trips for people and would love to help you too!

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Mastering Italian Coffee

Happy Anniversary to Me!