Enjoy your break, Cate Ottaviano

I never was the type to rely on coffee to kick start my mornings. Instead, I always got enough sleep and never needed it to go throughout my day. I also preferred a fruit smoothie, a Matcha Tea, or a Chai Tea to start my mornings.

When I moved to Spain, I very quickly noticed how popular drinking coffee is. It seemed that no matter where you turned, whether it was morning, noon, or night, coffee held a revered place in the hearts of Spanish people.

A Staggering statistic from Euro Weekly News explained how deeply ingrained coffee is within Spanish society. It claims that 87% of Spaniards drink coffee regularly, while 70% drink it daily. It quickly became evidence that coffee was not just a beverage but a cornerstone of daily life. Furthermore, the average Spaniard drink 2.2 cups of coffee each day. I was shocked, as I never fully grasped the extent of its popularity.

Prior to my time in Spain, I held reservations about coffee and the negative effects it may bring. I had concerns about caffeine- induced headaches, dehydrations, anxiety, and elevated heart rates.

However, my experiences in Spain provided me with a new perspective on the cultural significance of coffee. As we discussed in class, cultural norms and expectations exert a strong influence on our actions and behaviors. Coffee drinking was a popular cultural norm that I witnessed in Spain, where individuals took the time to savor their coffee. In Chicago, the act of drinking coffee intertwined with the hustle and bustle of daily life. People may drink their coffee while on a phone call, while typing on the computer, while driving to work, etc. Yet, in Spain, coffee breaks are special moments where individuals can come together to savor the rich flavors of their coffee without the rush of having somewhere to be.

My time in Spain taught me to appreciate a cup of coffee. Not to take it on the go, but to sit and chat with a friend and no place to be. Coffee in Spain taught me the importance of comfort and community.