The coffee shop is a reminder of my petite hometown in South Carolina. It’s simple. Slow-paced. Warm and familiar. There are shelves on the wall filled with books—give one, take one, kind of deal. There’s family history sharing the same space: the owner’s coffee grinder from her grandfather. An old menu. Copper pots on the wall are from Sylvia’s home in Padua. A black and white photo of her and her lively husband. They are happy, laughing and cherishing the moment between two wonderful souls.

A true treasure of a coffee and pastry shop near where classes are held is the spot to be. Put together by husband and wife, Rudolf and Sylvia give their unique lives to make this caffè a safe place for anyone traveling through, or the common study abroad student such as myself.

I always like to walk up to the counter, smiling graciously at the barista and say good morning in my best Italian accent (which isn’t all that great) and ask for a cappuccino and an almond croissant. I take my sweet pastry and take a seat in the corner and set up my computer or notebook to get to work. I cherish this time. In the states, you are expected to sit and work while you drink your coffee. In Italy, it is expected to stand at the counter and drink your coffee before being on your way. This place allowed me to stay and tend to my schoolwork without getting strange glances. It is a safe place for me to do what needs to be done without having to worry about offending the culture… or embarrassing myself!

This caffè is a warm and welcoming place to be. It is reliable and pleasant. The owners are constantly moving around each other in a dance of tango. Soft smiles, small touches, and an overwhelming sense of love. It is absolutely cherishable to be in the room that emits a charming glow of affection. It feels like a toasted marshmallow melting over creamy chocolate–everything sweet and good. The desire to be here, more than to eat or drink, but to feel those admirable moments is sumptuous in itself.