Once I read in a scientific magazine that the sense of smell
has a greater influence in the part of our brain where our memories are
located, and therefore a known aroma could easily trigger our memories.
Coffee, with its characteristic aroma, has a
very unique way to bring things to my memory: Those late nights at college
working with friends on a project while some coffee made us company; coffee
also brings me memories of trips and places I have been, I cannot differentiate
or even remember the taste of water or soda from city to city, but I can
precisely tell you what coffee did I drink, how good was it and in which coffee
place I had it. Do you remember when you
used to go out on a date for a cup of coffee and a movie? I am pretty sure that
you can remember where you went, and I am pretty sure that while having those
long conversations to know each other you have in front of you a steamy cup of coffee.
As you will find out later, I love to travel, and for me
another way to discover a country is through its food. I have discovered that Coffee
is unique from country to country, the beans they use, the barista’s skills,
the method they use and many other factors make each cup unique. And every now
and then, when I am able to get a cup of coffee that resembles the one I tried
somewhere, my mind travels, it is not longer at my home or at a local
restaurant, it is in a plaza San Sebastian, a small restaurant in Bolivia or in
a cold night of a Greek winter savoring for the first time a Coffee made in a briki
Drinking coffee for me is a relaxing experience that helps
me to enjoy even more a book, a conversation or whatever other activity I am
doing.
Coffee? I desperatley need it in the morning or anyone with me would have a bad time. It really takes time for me to get fully awake and ready for the day. And nothing is better to spend this crucial moment with a freshly brewed coffee. But here's the thing: I have in my kitchen a 15 dollars Mr. Coffee coffee maker and use beans bought at Costco (which are actually Starbucks beans and should be not too bad). Quiet frankly, it totally works for me to get the necessary boost in the morning but there is so much room for more pleasure. Once switched to better equipment and beans, there will be no way back I guess. Luis, I want to do this and need support. ;) Jan
ReplyDeleteI know Jan!
ReplyDeleteSometimes we get used to the things we have on hand and we are happy with them until we try something else! I hope I could talk about coffee makers in a future blog and some experiences I had and advices I received. A friend of mine recently told me that something that makes a big difference in coffee is the quality of your grinder; although he also said that one need to invest at least $400 USD to get a decent one.