A Cup of Comfort
As a study abroad student, it is easy to get homesick quickly. Throughout our six weeks in Florence, we have found one of the best ways to mitigate these feelings is to explore different coffee shops in the area that remind us of home. Coffee provides both a social and cultural experience that is the perfect remedy for lingering feelings of homesickness.
The first thing we noticed on our tour of coffee shops in Florence is the difference in coffee culture between Italy and the United States. Initially, it took us by surprise to see customers going straight to the counter, being served a shot of espresso, exchanging momentary conversation with the staff and fellow patrons, and then moving on with their day. In the United States, the typical coffee experience is much less focused on the functionality of coffee, and more on the enjoyment of the beverage. However, our visits to Italian coffee shops highlight an increased immersion of Italian and American coffee cultures. Whether this be a product of increased tourism levels, a shift in Italian preferences, or an adaptation to higher levels of international residents, it seems to be more and more common to order an iced latte at a coffee bar in Italy. Additionally, “speciality” coffee shops seem to be an emerging industry in Italy. We have visited multiple specialty coffee shops in Florence, such as Ditta Artiginale, La Milkeria, Melaleuca, and more. From our experience, these shops most closely resemble American coffee shops with their variety of flavor choices and their options for open seating or take away enjoyment. As study abroad students, we have greatly appreciated having these options so accessible in Florence, as it provides both a taste of home and an opportunity to support a variety of small businesses throughout the city.
As we have learned to appreciate (and sometimes resent) Italian coffee culture, we have ultimately learned a lot about Italy through something so simple as coffee. We are certain we will miss the convenience of coffee bars and quick service shops and have even come to the realization that we don’t always need our coffee filled with syrups and sugars. It has been very rewarding to immerse ourselves into a culture different than our own, and even more fulfilling to walk away from the experience with a newfound sense of appreciation for a practice different than our own. While we tried a multitude of delicious coffees and pastries during our time abroad, we concluded that the overarching takeaway from our Italian coffee experience would have to be the commitment to hospitality and quality each shop has implemented. We have yet to enter a coffee shop without a warm welcome and a willingness to accommodate our preferences, while also helping us understand the traditional culture in Italy. This energy makes an outsider like ourselves feel welcomed and appreciated, and provides a moment of comfort amidst an inherently overwhelming experience.
As we head back home, we hope to reciprocate this hospitality and remember not just how the coffee tasted, but the memories and connections created.
By: Rebecca Mooney, Josie Janisch, Taneya Jackson, and Molly Simpson