The Neapolitan Christmas Gift Called "Caffe Sospeso"

An article in today's New York Times features a positive act of humanity that could easily be copied elsewhere. The simple notion stems from Italy's coffee culture, as different from Starbucks as a legit latte macchiato is from some overwrought, overroasted junk.

Caffe sospeso
(Image: femaleworld.it)

The appealing custom, which originated in Naples, consists of paying for two cups of the coffee of one's choice, and leaving the receipt for the second cup for a needy individual. The gift, known as "caffe sospeso," is both shared and anonymous.

The story reminds me of a time my wife and I paid a toll on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey. At that time, EZ Pass had not yet become part of car culture. My wife doubled down on the toll, and told the human collecting the tariff that she was offering an "act of kindness" to the next driver. Apparently, my wife had once been on the receiving end of such an act, and did not forget.

The spirit in the New Jersey and Naples examples seems in sync with "doing the right thing" during the year-end holidays. With that thought in mind, Merry Christmas to all!

PS. In case you're unfamiliar with Euro terminology, the "Roma" in the Times story refers to Gypsies. They are subject to considerable animosity in Italy and elsewhere in Western Europe, as the linked Der Spiegel story outlines.