Uno cappuccino, per favore

Waking up in the morning can be tough sometimes even for a person like me who considers herself a morning person. In the United States, I usually stop at a place like Starbuck's or Espresso Royale on my way to class to get my daily dose of caffeine. I usually arrive with my typical order "one grande skinny vanilla latte please" and I usually pay around $4 for each one of those that I order. This usually gives me the caffeinated push that I need to get me through a long and stressful day of school and various other activities. In Italy, however, I've encountered a different type of lifestyle related to caffeinated beverages such as cappuccinos and espressos. In Italy, ordering a cappuccino is like a typical routine for most Italians such as brushing your teeth, it needs to be done. There are no different sizes like tall, grande, or venti, there are just set sizes for whatever it is that you order. Also, the prices of caffeinated beverages here like the cappuccino are significantly cheaper than in America. However, there are places located in tourist areas that can rip you off if you're not careful. Another observation I have made is that Starbuck's does not exist in Italy, probably because they realize that they would be up against some insane competition when it comes to Italian coffee, but never the less there are no Starbuck's locations in Italy. This goes to show you that cappuccinos and espressos made in Italy are just that authentic where any brand name coffee place would not be able to compete.

When it comes to cappuccinos, I personally have never had one before I came to Italy. They just aren't ordered that often by people in the United States. When I tried my first cappuccino, I was hooked! It was absolutely delicious and even though I love to have my lattes at home sweet. I do not add sugar to my cappuccino and I don't feel like I'm missing anything. Although, the barista that I order my cappuccino from as begun to recognize me since I go there at least twice a week so he draws me designs with chocolate syrup on the top of my cappuccino. It's so cute and super good!

The cappuccino is a very popular drink in Italy, but really only in the mornings. Sometimes cappuccinos are consumed in the afternoon, but usually never after a meal. Sometimes Americans think that you should drink one after a meal to help your food digest however a milk based drink does not help with digestion. A coffee, tea or espresso would be a more logical choice to choose after a meal rather than a milk based drink because these actually do help with food digestion and are better choices. If you've never consumed a cappuccino before, you should definitely do so and to get the best cappuccinos would definitely be in Italy because they know how to make them the right way and cheap! :)