I’m in Malta for a few days seeing family and having a holiday. Given its close proximity to Sicily/Italy, I’ve always loved the strong influence of those countries here, in the language, food and culture.
I was introduced to espresso when I was a student in Siena in Italy in 1995. Little did I know that something as small as an espresso would have such a profound impact on my life.
Since that moment, I have become a coffee/espresso addict, but it isn’t always the taste of the coffee. In the back of my head and maybe a therapist would agree, every sip I have is taking me back to that moment in Siena 30 years ago and thousands of other moments since when I have enjoyed the ritual and experience behind the coffee, perhaps more than the coffee itself.
I’m currently having a caffè with a cornetto con crema (croissant with a kind of custard cream) in a Sicilian coffee bar in Marsaskala on the southern tip of Malta.
Morning coffee inevitably feels nostalgic here. Everyone’s speaking Italian/Sicilian. I even get mistaken for an Italian – my Italian degree is just about still around. The sun is out. I’m also reminded of happy times here in Malta with family and friends many years ago.
Some people nip out for a coffee and I get that. It gives you a caffeinated ‘power’ to get you through the day. Though mine too is fuelled by caffeine, it’s much more fuelled by ritual and nostalgia. Both a powerful combination at 7 in the morning.
I’ve had one caffè. Maybe time for another. The coffee here isn’t going to drink itself!
Away From The Noise 