Yes, espresso - "caffé" - and cappuccino DO represent the style of Italian life. And you "take" a caffé differently than you would in the U.S. Walk into a "bar", order a shot, knock it back while standing at the counter, pay your money and walk out. No lingering over a cup of coffee.

Caffé at Lago di Como

Caffé from Barbara, at Cafe Corsetti in San Giovanni Valdarno.
(Her spelling of my name.)

No, the caffé did not cost 10 Euro. I could generally pay 80 cents for one shot of caffé (espresso), or about 1,80 for a doppio cappucino.

Our favorite barista in San Giovanni Valdarno: Barbara, at Caffé Corsetti, near Il Sillabo School and the train station. She decorated my coffee every day.

Barbara's farewell caffé:
"Ciao a presto", "see you soon".

Caffe Shakerato
Put a shot or two of espresso into a martini drink shaker with ice, shake it up 'til frothy and pour through a drink strainer to remove the ice. Pour into a martini glass and, "voila", you've got an iced coffee without the dilution of (much) water or any milk. Depending on preference, sugar can be added at the time of shaking. Can you say "strong coffee on a hot day?" Mmm! Barbara made these for us (the students and instructors) with gusto.

Caffé in Lucca