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# 62 • June 12 , 2015
Letterario are places where,
especially decades ago, artists, musicians, painters, philosophers, politicians, social
activists would meet to discuss
relevant political, human and
social matters while drinking
cups of coffee. These were,
and are, historical places, where actions, and even manifestos for the democracies in
many countries, were taken or
written: think about one of the
oldest in Italy – Caffè Greco in
Rome. In this Caffè, that dates
probably as far back as 1760
to” (one shot at any Ameri- Grappa). Whatever the choice (not too far from Piazza di Spacan DD or Starbucks), “lungo” made, the coffee “break” even gna), worldly known people
(two shots), “macchiato”(with if it is short, represents a social
a touch of milk- possibly the moment, an instant of relaxafoam), “freddo” (only in the hot tion, of taking time to gather
seasons), “ristretto”( which is thoughts, of discussing private
one shot but feels like a huge and public issues.
kick for your day!), “corretto”(
this is an interesting choice to Transcending the simple nabe done only at certain times ture of being a quick drink is
of the day, maybe to digest also represented by an impora heavy meal, as you would tant testimony that is found in would gather and spend time
add liquors – Mistrà, Anice or some Italian cities: the Caffe’ to discuss important matters:
as the famous French writer
Montesquieu remembers “it is
such a joy to spend day and night in a place where the words
become reality, utopia becomes tangible actuality and this
happens without leaving your
own chair..”).
In sum, the coffee or the Caffé
are fundamental icons in the
Italian life, images of a vibrant
past, strong and solid customs
of a passionate present and,
hopefully, permanent symbols
of our brilliant future.
WE THE ITALIANS | 27
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