We entered a little coffee house with a friend of mine and gave our order. While we were approaching our table two people came in and went to the counter –
‘Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended’
They paid for their order, took the two and left . I asked my friend:
‘What are those ‘suspended’ coffees ?’
‘Wait for it and you will see’
More people entered. Two girls asked for one coffee each, paid and left . The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers – three for them and four ‘suspended’. While I still wondered what was the deal with those ‘suspended’ coffees I enjoyed the sunny weather and the beautiful view towards the square in front of the café.
Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looked like a beggar came in through the door and kindly asked, ‘Do you have a suspended coffee ?’
It’s simple – people paid in advance for a coffee meant for someone who could not afford a warm beverage.
The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwich or a whole meal.”
This is so cool, a lovely way to give unconditionally and the reciever also retains his ego, cause sometimes we may have family friends and in dire neeed of help and feel to shamed to ask the. Wow I just love this idea…..thanks
Fantastic, I can recommend this gesture, I was hungry and thirsty before, unfortunately, there was no meal or coffee suspended for me.
Excellent idee !
A wonderful practice !!
What a marvellous idea, there are so many homeless people out there looking for food, it is great that someone cares enough to give them a nice warm cuppa or a lovely meal to keep them going for a while