There is longing arising in my throat
Like a song floating on a flat-bottomed boat
Curving along the canals of Venice
To the reddish gold and caramel
Overtones of sunrise and sunset
Love lift our cups to be filled

- This is Alessio Deotto, my best friend from Italy, toasting a cup of espresso in my apartment in this country called Middle Kingdom. Far away from his homeland, the origin of espresso. To him, this espresso that I brewed is the next best coffee to the one from his home. Cheers, my friend. Grazie!!!!