Taking Stands 

Editor:

Simona Carini's husband can't understand why people stand drinking coffee in Italy ("Table Talk," Jan. 13). I'll tell you: It's much much cheaper. Sitting is a luxury and sold at a premium. Standing allows for a greater flow of coffee lovers. I have gotten great caffé and wine, standing, for as little as 50 cents, and at those same places the "sit down" price can be anywhere from $3.50 to $6.50

Most locals just pick up their caffé and chat for a few -- they're on the go -- but when you want to sit a spell with a friend, talk and bask in the ambiance, you sit and often pay more. I love having that choice.

At caffé Florian in Venice, it is well worth the $6.50 to sit and be immersed in it all. There is nothing like it! But most of the time: "Un caffé, please. I'll take mine standing."

Laurel Skye, Arcata