This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Today, we’re straying from our usual British stomping grounds and turning our sights towards the sunny climes of Italy for a trifecta of the good life: Nature, coffee, and laughter. So fasten your seatbelts, gents, we’re going on a wild ride!
Now, we Brits are no strangers to a bit of greenery, be it the well-manicured gardens of Kent or the wild, untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Still, we often underestimate the profound impact that a bit of fresh air can have on our well-being. You see, the thing about Mother Nature is that she’s a brilliant listener and doesn’t require a single word from you. More reliable than your most trusted confidant and always open, 24/7.
There’s something about the rustling leaves and twittering birds that whispers, “Go on, lad. Take a breather. You’ve earned it.” And just like that, the pressures of your work, the incessant buzzing of your mobile, and the ever-so-trivial question of whether the barista at your local cafe got your flat white right, all seem to fade into insignificance.
Moving on from the glory of the greenery, let’s delve into another delightful aspect of life: Coffee, or as our Italian friends would say, “caffè”. When I say coffee, I’m not talking about the large, milky, over-sugared concoctions that have an identity crisis between dessert and beverage. No, no! I mean a robust, aromatic espresso that invigorates your senses and sets the world to rights.
The Italians don’t just drink coffee, they *experience* it. There’s a reason why they lovingly call it “la pausa” or “the pause”. Picture yourself on a sun-drenched piazza in Rome, sipping a dark, steaming espresso, watching the world go by, and all the while practising the art of “dolce far niente” – the sweet pleasure of doing nothing. Makes you feel rather dashing, doesn’t it? Like the James Bond of coffee-drinkers!
And speaking of 007, did you know that Daniel Craig admitted to having at least four cups of coffee while shooting a single scene for Spectre? Now, I’m not suggesting you gulp down gallons of coffee to match Bond, James Bond, but a little indulgence every now and then won’t hurt. If anything, it’ll give you a whole new perspective on life, one that is less ‘rush, rush, rush’ and more ‘savour and enjoy’.
Now, onto the final piece of this delightful puzzle: Laughter. It’s as quintessentially British as a perfectly steeped cup of Earl Grey and as universally adored as a slice of Margherita pizza. Laughter is more than just a mere reaction to a well-told joke. It’s a remedy for the soul, a universal language, and the best natural medicine we have.
Remember that one time Uncle Bob had a bit too much sherry during Christmas and ended up wearing the turkey on his head? Yes, that. That uncontrollable laughter which made your belly ache and tears stream down your face. That’s the kind of laughter we need to seek more often. It’s a fantastic reminder that life, despite its many trials and tribulations, is pretty darn amusing.
So, my dear gents, what’s the key takeaway from this little British-Italian escapade? It’s quite simple, really: Never underestimate the restorative power of nature, the soul-stirring magic of a good cup of coffee, and the rejuvenating charm of hearty laughter.
Now, this might seem like an unusual prescription from a British lad, heavily influenced by the Italians, but trust me, gents, a daily dose of nature, a shot or two of espresso, and a hearty laugh can cure even the gravest cases of the Monday blues.
Until next time, gentlemen, remember to stop and smell the roses (or the coffee), laugh heartily, and spend a bit of time with our dear old friend, Mother Nature. As the Italians say, “La vita è bella” – life is beautiful. Let’s live it well, shall we? Arrivederci!
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