During the past summer, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the enchanting landscapes of Portugal, where I savored the delightful moments at open-air cafés, indulging in the leisurely sips of exquisite Portuguese coffee. There’s nothing quite like it to fill my heart with pure bliss.

The unhurried and leisurely ambiance of a European café stands in sharp contrast to the hectic and congested drive-thru scenes at many American Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, where it’s uncommon to find anyone engaged in conversation, as everyone rushes to quickly grab their lattes and be on their way.

Europeans make it a point to embrace the small joys in life, taking the time to appreciate them. Being born in the US to Portuguese immigrants, I’ve always been attuned to the distinctions between European and American lifestyles. As I grow older and continue to explore Europe, I find myself increasingly drawn to the more relaxed pace of life that it offers.

In contrast, America, in these recent years, seems to be in a bit of a slump. It’s hard not to notice a certain collective feeling that the nation is going through a period of unhappiness. It’s as if the fast-paced lifestyle, the rising cost of living, the rush to meet deadlines, and the constant pressure for success have left many feeling drained and disconnected from the simple joys of life. Much like a steaming cup of coffee can jolt you awake in the morning, America, too, could benefit from a rejuvenating infusion.

It’s not necessarily about slowing down to a complete standstill but finding a balance between ambition and appreciation, between progress and the pursuit of happiness. The European lifestyle reminds us to pause, to chat over a cup of coffee, to relish the beauty of nature, and to connect with one another on a deeper level. Perhaps, in embracing some of these elements, America can regain its robustness and rediscover the essence of what it means to truly savor life’s moments – just like the sweet sip of a revitalizing coffee.

With its rich aroma and bold flavor, coffee serves as a common thread that connects individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and corners of the globe. Whether you’re sipping espresso in a bustling European café or enjoying a pour-over brew at a trendy urban coffeehouse somewhere in the world, the love for coffee knows no bounds.

Therefore, on National Coffee Day (September 29) and International Coffee Day (October 1), let’s lift our cups high and take a moment to appreciate the global connections that coffee has woven throughout history and continues to create daily.

#coffee #cafe #coffeeislive #aroma #espresso #late #coffeetalk #coffeecup #ilovecoffee #java #cupofjoe #internationalcoffeeday #coffeeday #cafes #coffeelover #caffeine #coffeeadict #coffeeshop #coffeefix #coffeerun #womenandcoffee #itscoffeetime #europeancafes #starbucks #dunkindonuts #dunkins #portuguesecoffee #portugalcafe #europecafe #photography #travelphotographer #travelphotography #travel #portugaltravel #europetravel #traveling #travelblogger #travelblog #blog #blogger #bloggerlifestyle