La Cite

Probably one of the more unique spots to go in Florence, La Cite, is a library cafe that has a very authentic Italian vibe. With the walls lined with books to read and nooks to sit, it's an awesome environment to relax.
During the day you can expect poetry readings or art shows, while at night different local bands entertain the crowd of young, Italian hipsters and international students.
I happened to go in on a Friday around 8 pm and they had an Ethiopian-style buffet going on. This place continues to surprise me every time I go.
My suggestion is to try and arrive early if you want to get a good spot because the place gets crowded every night.
So if you're looking for something different to do in Florence that isn't crowded with tourists, check out the Libreria Cafe, La Cite!

An easy way to get there..
If you cross the Ponte Vecchio, go down two more bridges and take a left when you see La Carraria gelato (one of the best in Florence). After you finish your gelato, take your first right down that road and you will eventually see La Cite on your right.
Here is their website where you can find the schedule for the different artists that perform.
http://www.lacitelibreria.info

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"Sensa Malocchio."

Ah Italian superstitions. Where to begin really? The Italian culture is full of superstitious beliefs, some a little more ridiculous than others.

For example, did you know it's considered bad luck if you see a nun? I've been told that if you happen to see one, you are supposed to immediately touch iron. For this reason, a lot of Italians will carry a small nail in their pocket or purse just in case they come across a Holy Sister. If there is no iron in sight, you must say, "Your nun" to the first person you come across and this will transfer the bad luck to them.
Why nuns? Because they are associated with places of death like cemeteries and hospitals.

A more popular superstition though is "the evil eye."

The concept of the evil eye is actually believed in many different cultures around the world. It is essentially a look that is believed to cause injury or bad luck to the person that it's directed at. Mainly for reasons of envy, jealousy, or dislike.
Most cultures have created ways of 'warding off' the evil eye. In Italy, there are a number of different ways to save yourself from the dreaded glare.

Ever wonder what those little horns are that maybe one of your Italian-American friends wear? I wonder if they even know what it is themselves.
It is called a cornicello and it is worn as protection from the evil eye. I won't get into too many details, but it is supposed to have a phallic appearance because there are many different beliefs that sexual symbols or gestures are able to successfully block the curse.
Here are some examples of gestures that you might be familiar with.

The hand gesture to the left is called "The Fig". This is considered a good luck charm, and I don't think I need to tell you what it represents.

The hand gesture at the bottom is called "The Horn". This gesture will transfer the evil eye to someone else.

Anyone can cast the evil eye, whether it is intentionally or not. All it takes is giving someone a compliment while feeling jealous or envious. This is very common with newborn babies, since they receive so many compliments. If you compliment a cute Italian baby, you will probably hear the mother say "Sensa malocchio," which means, "without the evil eye."

Life Of A Vagabond

"The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes sight-seeing." -Daniel J. Boorstin

First of all, if you were wondering who the hell Daniel J. Boorstin is...

Seriously though, Mr. Boorstin is right. Basically, the combination of someone calling me a vagabond and then coming across this quote, made me wonder what exactly someone would need to do to be considered a 'vagabond'.

Okay well it's actually quite simple really. Vagabond=Bindlestiff (see earlier post)

No home, no job, etc.
So I wouldn't say I'm a vagabond per se, just a simple traveler.

But really it's easy to become said 'vagabond'.
I'd say the people that tend to 'get up and go' fall into at least one, if not all, of the following.

- Just needed a change and wanted to find oneself.
- No serious obligations holding them back.
- Is not the typical 9-5 kinda person.
- Fascination of fully immersing yourself into a different culture.

You could definitely name a lot more categories, but I think we get the gist of it.
I personally think traveling is something everyone needs to experience.
And I don't mean taking a vacation. I mean actually traveling, and as previously stated, fully immersing yourself into a different culture. Living there, studying there, working there.

Can't over think it. just gotta go for it. If anything, you'll be sure to meet a lot of interesting people.
And isn't that what life is all about really? Socializing? Seeing new faces? Shaking new hands Networking?
'It's not what you know but who you know,' I believe is the saying.
Definitely true, to a certain extent.

Ciao Bella

If you are Italian, your life revolves around the simple concept of, "La Bella Figura". Literally translated as "beautiful figure", it means making a good impression in every sense of the matter.
To make a good impression is something that is important to everyone, but Italians might do so better than anyone else.

Whether it's taking that extra ten minutes to make sure your hair is just right, or choosing to walk in heels strategically through the cobblestone streets; looking good and feeling good, go hand in hand.
Obviously it is not just women that this concept applies to. From old Italian men to young Italian guys, they are constantly staying up to date with the latest trends and styles.

Even if it is one of the hottest days of summer, you will find most Italian men wearing pants and layers. You might see them and think they are crazy, but chances are they look better than you and probably aren't even sweating as much.
Nothing disappoints me more than being able to spot an American in the streets of Italy, just because of what they are wearing. I understand if you are "Proud to be an American", but when I see someone wearing sweatpants, flip-flops, and an old T-shirt, I can't help but feel mildly embarrassed for them. Watching Italians strut by you, with their head held high and secretly thinking "stereotypical American."
It's really not too much to ask, to at least try and blend in. Hell, just go to the closest H&M, spend about 50 Euro, and you'll be set.

It's easy to just think that "La Bella Figura" applies to fashion and being well-groomed, but the idea of the beautiful figure is so much more than that.

Italians strive to make a good impression in every way possible, and make sure that everything in Italy portrays that. From random acts of kindness to the artful decor of pastries in cafe windows, Italy is full of beautiful people and beautiful things. The countless artisans and craftsmen with their specialty brand products, convey the famous "Made in Italy" reputation we all know and love.

There is a reason that Italy is so beautiful, and it's because of the Italians undeniable attention to detail. The architecture, the food, the fashion, the art; it's difficult to find anything to complain about in this Mediterranean paradise.

Italians will do everything in their power though, to avoid the dreaded "La Brutta Figura".
Yes, you are correct in assuming that this means "ugly figure". Reflecting poorly on one's 'famiglia' is practically a crime in Italy. If you are having a bad day, your appearance should never give that impression.
 Nobody likes making a mistake, but Italians will go out of their way to make sure that a mistake is not made. You might attempt to ask for directions from an Italian on the street, who in truth probably knows a decent amount of English, but will not speak it in fear of making a mistake.

Making a good impression is of the utmost importance to Italians, and they will continue to carry out the tradition, in style, for many years to come.

Vincent Van Gogh

Ever wonder what it would be like to work your whole life but not achieve fame and fortune until after you die?

How much would that suck? I mean I guess you wouldn’t really even care though, ya know, being dead an all.

There are plenty of tragic examples of this, but I personally think Vincent Van Gogh is the most notable.

I’m sure you have heard of Van Gogh, even if you don’t consider yourself very ‘art savvy’. 

Perhaps one of the most widely celebrated post-impressionist painters of all time, poor Van Gogh did not reach fame and popularity until after his death.

For those of you that don’t know much about the life of Vincent Van Gogh, I’ll give you some facts.

Born in 1853, Van Gogh was said to have been a very shy kid with self-esteem issues. Say what you want about red-heads, but I happen to have a couple very good ‘ginger’ friends.

Van Gogh actually pursued becoming a priest but later gave up on his Holy journey to pursue the lucrative business of being an artist. He really did not start painting or drawing until he was in his 20s. Most of his work is known for the scenic landscapes and views throughout France or The Netherlands, with the vibrant colors, and unique painterly strokes of genius.

Or maybe you only know him for “Starry Night.”

What else you probably don’t know is that he suffered from severe depression and epilepsy. The dude was, quite frankly, mentally unstable. 

Thousands of paintings, drawings, sketches, etc not even being discovered or praised until after he committed suicide in 1890.

Yupp, he took his own life at the young age of 37.

After his death, his work seemed to spread like wildfire throughout Europe, starting out of France and Belgium. Today his work is worth millions. So if you have at the very least about $90 million stashed away somewhere, you’d be able to hang the original Starry Night up in your living room.

You can find the largest collection of his work at The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. They house about 200 paintings, 400 drawings, and 700 letters of Vincent’s. 

I ‘highly’ suggest you check out this museum if you find yourself lost in Amsterdam.

Can you think of anyone else that didn’t become famous till after death?

Edgar Allan Poe perhaps?

Drink More Coffee

Just some advice. Drink more coffee.
And drink it black, without sugar or heavy cream. Enjoy the subtle earthy, floral, or perhaps cocoa notes depending on the blend of bean.

Contrary to popular belief, coffee in moderation can be very good for you. Obviously too much caffeine is never a good thing, but I believe the saying is, 'a cup of coffee a day will keep the doctor away.'
I found a very interesting article about the health benefits of drinking coffee. I will summarize the main points below but you can read the full article here. You may read different articles saying different things but I personally believe in the health benefits of the coffee bean.

1. Coffee makes you smarter.

Caffeine is a natural stimulant for the brain. I'm not going to get all sciencey in describing what it does with neurotransmitters, dopamine, etc. Essentially it is proven that caffeine improves your mood, memory, and just general functioning ability.

2. Coffee improves physical performance.

Caffeine raises metabolism and increases the oxidation of fatty acids. There is a reason some might drink a Red Bull before a soccer game. Caffeine improves your reaction time and overall performance.

3. Coffee may lower your risk of Type II Diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.

4. Coffee is good for your liver.

5. Coffee has plenty of nutrients and antioxidants.

A cup of coffee contains:
6% RDA Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
11% RDA Riboflavin
2% RDA Niacin and Thiamine
3% RDA Potassium and Manganese

It is also the #1 source for antioxidants in the modern American diet.


*Frappuccinos do not count as "coffee"

Mediterranean Diet = Live Longer

So for a country that pretty much smokes more than most, earns less, and has one of the worst economies, you would think they aren't bound to live very long.

But, according to the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in Seattle, Italians live an average of 3.5 years longer than Americans and 18 months longer than the British. When compared to 20 other countries, Italy ranked 2nd in health and life expectancy, beaten only by Spain.

The average life of an Italian man is 79 years old, while the average life of an Italian woman is 84 years old. My own Italian grandfather is over 90 years old and still going strong.

So I'm sure you are wondering why Italians are so healthy and live longer than most.

I think that it largely has to do with the "Mediterranean Diet" that Italians are accustomed to. The mass quantities of olive oil and red wine have tons of antioxidants that improve cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and fight heart disease.
Italians also tend to use fresher ingredients and season with spices like garlic, basil, and oregano, vs Americans putting an excess of salt on everything.

I don't think I even need to get into the details of the typical "American Diet". Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast, McDonalds for lunch, and Taco Bell for dinner? When you go into a McDonalds here in Italy, 75% of the customers are Americans.
The fast food epidemic in America has been slowly killing us. I challenge you to go 1 month without eating 'fast food', and see how much better you feel about yourself after.

Another reason Italians tend to out-live Americans, is because they don't binge drink like Americans. Being in a Fraternity, I saw first-hand the effects of 'binge drinking.'
Just last night actually, I was trying to explain to an Italian the concept of 'Greek life', Fraternities, and drinking in the States. I realized half way through my explanation how ridiculous it must sound to him, as he stood there with a look of astonishment.
Italians are always drinking, but never in excess. They also usually stick to wine; where a 3 euro bottle in Italy is significantly better than a $25 bottle in America, without all of the preservatives.

Italians must be doing something right. They seem to know a thing or two about living a long and healthy lifestyle. America, time to step it up.

Salvador Dali

Yes, we all know and love the work of the famous Surrealist painter, Salvador Dali. Ever wonder how he comes up with the crazy ideas for the images in his paintings?

No, it's not drugs. In fact, it's said that Dali never really used drugs and only drank alcohol on occasion.
So how was he able to be so...surreal?

Dali was a big fan of the philosophies and teachings of Sigmund Freud. He believed, like Freud, that dreams and imagination were central to human thought, rather than marginal. Accessing one's subconscious is a very achievable feat. For the sake of his artistic genius, Dali wanted to remain in his most creative mind-set as much as possible.

So alas, we have the Dali spoon technique.

Perhaps you have heard of it. It is quite simple really. What Dali would do is, place a metal pan or bowl  in his lap during the afternoon of a warm, sunny day. He would lean back comfortably in his chair after his meal, holding onto a spoon. Once he began to drift into sleep, his muscles would start to relax and he would lose his grip on the spoon. Thus, the spoon would fall from his grasp into the pan or bowl, with a clatter. The abrupt clank would wake him.

He would continue to do this several times, drifting in this semi-awake, semi-asleep, dream-like state. It is in this state-of-mind where you see your most "surreal" images/dreams. Your imagination runs wild and you see things that the conscious mind would not deem real or appropriate.

Cool right? Feel free to try it at home. But don't feel discouraged. Dali was a master of the technique and it took him years of time to perfect, resulting in his ability to slip in and out of his semi-conscious mind.

('Birth of Man' is my personal favorite Dali piece)

Isaac Cordal

"I don't like all street art, but I do see it as something positive. I like the idea that you are giving something to the city for free. I can't imagine a city without street art. That would be very boring."
-Isaac Cordal

I totally agree with Isaac on his street-art views. Street art has become increasingly popular because of a little something called the internet. Think about it. Before the internet, it was only the people that were on the site at that specific moment who could enjoy the art.
Today, you could create something in the middle of nowhere and it could be worldwide in a matter of minutes. Not to mention, a lot of street art is not a permanent installation, like Isaac's work (which I will get to). Being able to document street art online with pictures, gives it a timeless quality that people can enjoy over and over.

That being said, Isaac Cordal is a very unique type of street artist.

At first look, you might find his work depressing, sad, weird, etc. But then like most street art, after staring at it, you start to think. What exactly is he trying to convey here?

Isaac creates these miniature little sculptures of figures and sets them strategically in locations throughout the streets of many different European cities, from London, to Vienna, to Croatia.

His sculptures are placed in bizarre locations, and definitely add an element of surprise to the public eye. I personally think there is a very "wandering and wondering" type of melancholic feel to a lot of his figures. Even though they are miniature in size, the details that he manages to put into the faces, gives you a thorough understanding of the mood of the character. There also seems to be somewhat of a humorous feel to a lot of his work.

It's difficult to explain the concept behind his work, but essentially Mr. Cordal is representing human beings in the modern world. He is exploring the typical behavior patterns of 'the common man' in this society that we have created for ourselves.
Similar to Joshua Allen Harris, Isaac is also commenting on climate change and environmental issues. His most recent installations are referred to as "Cement Eclipses" project. He believes that cement is an ugly footprint that we have left in nature.

Check out the website here for more samples of Isaac's work: http://www.isaac.alg-a.org

Pistachio

Ever wonder just how many pistachios get thoughtlessly tossed aside because their shell was tough to open?
Just a tip for when you come across this frustrating situation. Simply take one of the empty shells from the nut you have just opened, and push it into the crack of the nut you're trying to open (no matter how small the opening). Once you've wedged it in there, twist the shell and 99% of the time it will open.

It's tough to pick a favorite nut, but mine is probably pistachios. My go-to flavors for gelato in Italy, are cafe and pistachio.
Pistachio gelato? Yes, try it. It is actually one of the more popular flavors amongst Italians.

You probably assumed correctly that the word pistachio comes from medieval Italian pistacchio, but did you know they've been around since like at least 6000 BC?

Also, next time you speed through a bag of these tasty, green candies, make sure you recycle the used shells. The shells can be used in a variety of ways. Placing them at the bottom of your potted plants will help with the drainage and health of the soil. If they were salted pistachios, doing so will also scare away unwanted critters like slugs or snails. The shells can also be used as kindling for a fire, similar to how you would use crumpled newspaper to help start it up.

You might find this information irrelevant, but next time you're eating pistachios I guarantee you use my advice.

"Calcio Storico"

So everyone is aware of Europe's fascination with 'futbal', 'calcio', soccer, whatever you want to call it. I was just recently made aware of an interesting type of 'calcio', referred to as "calcio storico" or "Calcio Fiorentino".

This was an early version of the sport that started in Florence, Italy sometime in the 16th century. Basically their are only four teams, all representing a different piazza/area of Florence. You have the Azzurri (Blues) from Santa Croce, the Rossi (Reds) from Santa Maria Novella, the Bianchi (Whites) from Santo Spirito, and the Verdi (Greens) from San Giovanni.

So what exactly is it?

Essentially it is a mix of rugby, soccer, and ultimate fighting. The original game was played in teams of 27, and being able to use both your hands and feet, the object (like most sports) was to score a goal by throwing the ball through the goal. The modern version of the game now allows punching, elbowing, choking, head butting, biting, etc.

As you can imagine, it is a very violent game.

What's funny about the origins of the game though, is that it used to only be played by wealthy aristocrats and even Popes! Clearly it has come a long way from that tradition..

Sambuca con Mosca

This licorice-flavored Italian cordial is a popular drink of choice throughout Italy, both as a shot or in an 'old-fashion/rocks' glass. Most of you have probably seen or at least heard of it, but did you know it comes in different colors? From what I understand they all taste the same, but you can find it in white, purple, red, or black.

So I'm sure you're wondering what "con mosca" means in the title.
When served in a 'rocks' glass, it is not uncommon for the bartender to garnish the drink (upon request or not) with three coffee beans.
The three beans are said to symbolize health, happiness, and prosperity.

But..

If you were to be given 4 beans in your drink, this is not 'vabbene'.
Not only is it bad luck to garnish a drink with an even number, but the history of this coffee bean tradition comes from acting as a warning.
Bartenders would alert Mafia members to be aware that other undercover agents were around. This fourth bean basically meant to, 'get out while you can' or prepare for a fight.
Similarly, this tactic was supposedly used to warn US and British soldiers that undercover German spies were in the area.

Oh, and feel free to have it lit on fire, which is a typical way of serving it as a shot.
(Any liquor/cordial that is 40-50% alcohol, or 80-100 proof will light on fire.)

 

Joshua Allen Harris

People of New York City, be on the look out when you pass by subway stations. One of my personal favorites, Joshua Allen Harris, is a street artist like no other.

His choice of medium, plastic bags. His canvas, NYC subway grates.

It is the passing of the subway trains below that inflate his art, giving it life, only to die and deflate minutes later.
One of his first projects was of a polar bear, that basically was commenting on issues of climate change/global warming. Since the popularity of the "Air-Bear", JAH has added quite the arsenal of different creatures to his inventory.

This guy has such a crazy imagination, and I'm sure watching the astonished pedestrian's faces as they pass by his art will never get old.

You can check out some of his different projects at his website, http://joshuaallenharris.com
or watch the quick video below!

Hengki Koentjoro

http://www.koentjoro.com

Little Tongues and Big Socks

Wait what?
There is a simple explanation to the title of this post. I'm sure that you've eaten linguini before, but did you ever wonder what it translates to in Italian? Similarly, think about other Italian words that we use on a regular basis.

Linguini - "little tongues"
Spaghetti - "little strings"
Vermicelli - "little worms"
Calzone - "big sock"
Lasagna - actually refers to the cooking pan used to prepare
Biscotti - "twice- cooked"

Starting to see a theme? There is a reason that Italy is known for its food and you can find plenty of it in the US. The language of Italian is everywhere, not just in food, but in music, science, architecture, etc. I've named as many as I can think of, off the top of my head. Feel free to add to the list!

Pistacchio, cappuccino, espresso, latte, calamari, ricotta, salami, tortellini, pasta, pesto, alto, solo, piano, mozzarella, cameo, casino, gelato, parmesan, bologna, 'al dente'...

-Also, ever wonder what the difference between a calzone and a stromboli is?

From my understanding, the main difference is that calzone are typically made with ricotta cheese. Stromboli is technically just a slice of pizza rolled up (this is more so an American tradition)

Clet Abraham

Wandering around Florence I started to notice some street signs that had different figures comically printed on them. I began to take pictures of them every time that I encountered one. Luckily, my photography teacher knew of the artist and I was able to put a name to the street art.
Clet Abraham is a French artist that moved to Italy over 20 years ago, but just recently came to Florence because he was able to purchase a studio.
At first glance his work might just seem random, but in fact each design has been cleverly done to explore different themes in a playful manner. His art is actually just stickers that he creates in his studio and pastes onto the signs, monuments, etc..so he does not ruin the 'canvas'.
This clever, creative, yet respectful street artist has an awesome view of life and I had the opportunity to meet with him earlier this week. Of course I had to buy a Clet souvenir T-Shirt.

Here are a couple samples of his work that I took photos of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms82qdGoOUs

Latte Art

Such a shame that most of you hide that beautiful foam underneath a Starbucks plastic lid. And those of you that ask for "no foam", I will never understand why. That's the equivalent of asking for no icing on a cake. The foaming of the milk is a natural occurrence and should never be tampered with. But that's just my personal insight.
In Italy, it is not uncommon to have the barista experiment with different variations of 'latte art'. What is 'latte art' exactly? Well I'll tell you.

It is simply a method of pouring the steamed milk into your shot(s) of espresso in such a way, resulting in a particular pattern or design on the surface. Go ahead and try this yourself, and I'll be impressed if you master it before trying 50+ times.
The crema of the espresso is to the foam of the milk, as peanut butter is to jelly (or Fluffernutter, to be more aesthetically correct). The contrast of the white and brown can result in some incredible designs.

Their are basically two different methods of making your 'latte art'.
The first being the quicker, more common method of, free-pouring. Essentially just pouring the milk from the pitcher into the cup with a certain tilt and control. I could try to explain to you how to do this, but in truth it'd be better to just watch it on youtube. Typical designs that are done with free-pouring are hearts, rosettas, flowers, apples, etc.
The second method, can be referred to as striking or etching. This basically implies the use of an extra tool, such as a stirring rod or spoon. This technique is used for more complicated designs and obviously gives you more control over the end result.

So next time you're in a Starbucks, request a "for here" mug and give the barista a hard time if they can't provide you with a heart of foam.

* I didn't even request for this to be done, but I was given this simple apple design in my cappuccino this morning.

I Zingari

Ever wonder why there are so many beggars littered throughout the streets of Italy? Have you ever been abroad and reached into your pocket to check your phone, only to realize that you have just been pick-pocketed?

Most of the ‘gypsies’ that you will encounter are of Romanian descent and are a very prominent ethnic group throughout Europe. Having migrated here many years ago, these “gypsies” have become a serious problem. You may see some sleeping on the streets, but most of them actually live in different encampments on the outskirts of the larger Italian cities, such as Rome, Florence, Naples, etc.

Referred to as ‘i zingari’ (literally translated as, mosquitoes), Italians are clearly not a fan. In all honesty though, these ‘gypsies’ are more of a problem for tourists than they are to the local Italians. Italians know what to expect and are a far harder target for the ‘sticky-fingered’ zingari. But hey, there is no reason that you can’t avoid them as well. In fact, it is fairly simple if you know what to look for.

Expertly trained in their craft, I zingari are professionals. Typically working in teams of two or more, they will usually be seen around major tourist attractions, such as the Duomo in Florence, or the Colosseum in Rome. Other spots to look out for are around train stations or worse yet, on buses.

It is the children that you really need to watch out for, and out of all these scenarios, I would say that crowded buses are where they have the most success.

Picture this. You’re standing in the middle of a crowded bus, as it abruptly stops and starts in the mayhem of Italian traffic. Holding on for dear life and trying to keep your balance, you are unaware of the pesky zingaro that has timed the motion of the bus perfectly, to bump into you and deftly lift your wallet out of your back pocket. It may take you a minute to notice, but that is all they need to have either handed their prize off to a teammate or even gotten off at the previous stop themselves.

Most of the tips that you will read on the Internet and that I will give to you now, might all just seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised at the amount of tourists who are still taken advantage of everyday. 

If you happen to see a group of children dressed in dirty, yet, colorful clothing, slowly approaching a group of unsuspecting tourists, act accordingly. Yell at them, “No!” “Polizia!” Vattene via! “(Go away!) Wave your arms and run at them if it please you. Maybe even brush up on a couple Italian swearwords. Any of the following will send them scattering, once they realize they’ve been spotted.

If a stranger comes up to you and starts talking to you in a different language, chances are it is not just some friendly local Italian. They are meant to be a distraction, while their fellow ‘zingaro’ sneaks up behind you. So stay alert, or even better, just keep walking.

It is also best to walk quickly, with a sense of urgency. It is the confused looking tourists, constantly glancing at maps or taking pictures that make for the easiest target. If you must stop and look at a map, make sure your back is to a wall, or better yet, stop into one of the many different cafes that line the city streets.

“I Zingari” are not going anywhere, and have not showed signs of changing their lifestyle any time soon. My intentions are not to make you nervous or paranoid, but merely to make you aware that these situations do occur. My best bit of advice would be to blend in as best as possible. Dress Italian, walk Italian, speak Italian. If they see you with a map in one hand, a gelato in the other, wearing sweatpants, and an “I <3 Italia” T-shirt; those pesky mosquitoes will swarm.

Steve McCurry

If you've never seen or heard of Steve McCurry's work, please check out his website. He has this amazing ability of appealing to all your senses when you look at his work. Not to mention, he has been pretty much everywhere in the world.

India

Italy

Africa

Check out more places at www.stevemccurry.com/galleries

Siren's Eye

So first off, what on earth is a siren? Why is it the logo of Starbucks? And who even came up with the name, "Starbucks"?

I stumbled upon a great article that answered all of these questions, and I have pretty much summarized it below.

Basically a brief history of the logo will show you that what you see today has undergone some major modifications. The original logo needed to change because their were complaints of it being way too sexual. There was essentially a naked woman on your cup of coffee. So a simpler logo was designed and we eventually arrived at the current design today.

A siren by definition is a cross between a mermaid and.. wait for it.. a "Sheila-na-gig".
Yeah, exactly what I said when I first read it.
"Sheila-na-gig: a reference to a female figure that displays their genitalia to signify the power of female sexuality and fertility.

So think about it. Kind of a smart design. Starbucks is basically using the lure of female sexuality to draw the customer to their coffee. Another example are the sirens in "The Odyssey" that would lure the sailers off course into treacherous waters.

So that's the logo, but why the name? Well have you ever read Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick'?
Apparently the owners of Starbucks wanted to originally call the company "Moby's Coffee" - yes, referring to the giant whale named Moby in the classic novel. This image of a fat whale was decided to be potentially unappealing to coffee drinkers.
Clearly the owners were big fans of the novel though and still wanted to maintain a connection. 'Starbuck' is actually the name of the coffee- drinking first mate from Nantucket in the novel.
The name also brings to mind two different images, stardom and big bucks. Both of which are things the typical American consumer loves.

Clever Starbucks..well played.

 

Fenkl, Heinz. "The Mermaid." Www.edicott-studio.com. Endicott Studio, 2003. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <www.endicott-studio.com/jMA03Summer/theMermaid.html/>.

Moka

I'm willing to bet that most of you do not open your kitchen cabinet and see this contraption sitting there..

This is a Moka pot, commonly found in any Italian kitchen. It is quite simply a stove-top espresso machine. In fact, it is also fairly simple to use (even if you don't have years of Barista experience).

So if you happen to come across one of these, just follow these simple instructions below and prepare yourself a nice, strong cup of Moka-brewed espresso.

1. Unscrew the top half from the bottom half.
2. Fill bottom container to indicated line with water.
3. Fill middle chamber with finely ground coffee beans, level out with a spoon.
4. Screw the top back onto it's base, and place on stove-top.
5. Boil at a medium temperature until you see the water eventually rise into the top part. (when you start to see steam bubbles and hear a gurgling noise, the lower chamber is empty)

-The high brewing temperature causes more caffeine and flavor to be extracted, also resulting in a stronger brew more similar to espresso than "drip coffee".

Starbucks

So, I was recently employed with Starbucks for quite some time, and I had always wondered about the history of why you can't find any Starbucks within Italy. So I checked it out. And this is the gist of it.

Basically this guy named Howard Schultz becomes President and CEO of Starbucks in 1987. At the time they really only sold whole-bean coffees in stores across the US. But hey, 20 years later and instant popularity. They've expanded to 12,000 stores with more than 150,000 full-time employees. So why is this 30 billion dollar franchise not present in one of the coffee capitals of the world?

The espresso culture in Italy is too different to compare. In fact, when Howard visited Italy in the mid-1980s, he was so fascinated by the atmosphere in the authentic Italian café, that he was inspired for Starbucks. Really the evolution of Starbucks absorbed the Italian coffee culture, but was built around an American society.

Starbucks just would not work in Italy.

The coffee experience for Italians is such an intimate experience, one that is far more personal than any Starbucks could offer you. It basically comes down to this concept of "slow-food" vs. "fast-food". Plastic cups? In Italy? Wait, we're allowed to leave the café with this?

Should Starbucks risk their corporate image by attempting to succeed in Italy?

Well, that's the question that Mr. Schultz probably wonders on a regular basis. Italy could be a gold mine with all those Italians obsessed with getting their espresso 4 times a day. Can you imagine? Starbucks changing the Italian tradition? Call me a stubborn Italian, but it wouldn't work. The benefits of attempting this feat and succeeding are far smaller than the losses of trying and failing, and losing their corporate image.

Might be some weird strategy Howard's got going on, or maybe he just won't take the risk..

*as a side note, ever wonder what the deal is with the Starbucks logo?

Jan Von Holleben

www.janvonholleben.com

Il Caffé

The barista, orchestrating a series of requests in rapid succession; espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, doppio, lungo, ristretto, corretto... That hissing of the milk steamer, the thumping of filters being emptied, the clatter of the cups, and that heavy aroma in the air; a feast for all the senses. Il Caffé is the place to hear all sorts of conversations, but in no way are you meant to linger. Sitting down and getting comfortable is a rare sight in an authentic Italian caffé. Your espresso is meant to be consumed rather quickly, and it's a sure sign that you are a tourist if you order a cappuccino after 11 am or after a meal.

Ordering coffee in Italy can be somewhat intimidating for a first timer. Where are the Frappuccino options? Well, you won't find anything like that. Below I have listed some different options for ordering Italian coffee drinks.

Il Caffé - ordering un caffé implies that you want a shot of espresso. It will be served to you in a tazzina with a little stirring spoon.

Caffé Macchiato - Macchiare, in Italian, means to "stain" - when ordered, this espresso is literally 'stained' with a scoop of hot, frothed milk. (This is not a mini cappuccino).

Caffé Macchiato Freddo - You can probably guess that this Macchiato is served with cold milk. Most caffés will have a separate bar with milk that you can add yourself though.

Cappuccino - Easily the most well-known coffee drink. It is espresso with steamed and foamed milk.

Marocchino - Also referred to as a Mocacchino, this coffee drink consists of a shot of espresso, milk foam, and sprinkled with cacao (chocolate).

Latte Macchiato - This is precisely the opposite of a caffé macchiato. It is steamed milk, 'stained' with coffee.

Caffé Corretto - An espresso, with a shot of liquor. Ex. grappa, Sambuca, cognac, Baileys, etc


These are your most basic coffee drinks found in an Italian Caffé, but there are definitely other options available in different parts of Italy. Just know that if you walk into a caffé and order a 'latte', you will be receiving a glass of milk, and a glare from the barista.

Fili, Louise, and Lise Apatoff. Italianissimo: The Quintessential Guide to What Italians Do Best. New York: Little Bookroom, 2008. Print.

Pete Turner

http://www.peteturner.com

Pablo Picasso

Espresso 101

Michael Kenna

You can see more of his work here: http://www.michaelkenna.net