Coffee Culture.
When drinking bad coffee is a good idea!
I am currently on a quick trip to Portugal. I usually travel with a bag of coffee beans and an Aeropress (as you might have guessed.) However, this time I had to pack light. Um Cafe ou um bica?
I am not averse to drinking shitty coffee when it’s absolutely neccasarry. I like to refer to such moments as “nostalgic brews”. However, I will try to avoid getting myself into this situations as much as possible.
Somtimes you just need to get rid of the sleep induced fog and caffeine is the only answer…
As I sit drinking my nostalgic brew and writing this piece I am somewhat surprised at how much of a good time everyone is having and no-one at all looks disgusted by what they are consuming. I have certainly been here before, in this situation, thinking, how is everyone enjoying this unpalatable broth? But then I realsie that not everyone has the luxury of drinking great coffee for a living.
As I chuckle to myself for my prententious thoughts and start to slightly reconsider what makes a great coffee, my coffee arrives, I take a sip, and, well let’s just say at least the view was pleasant…
Maybe it isn’t about what is in the cup that matters. Maybe it’s the cheapness and a combination of good company and the freshly baked treats that somehow make the coffee an afterthought?Or, maybe it is just familiarty that has allowed bad coffee to flow from the cups of the masses.
I know it is more complex than this but the cafiene hasn’t hit me yet. But, when it does I know that drinking my 60 cent shot will prove that I am also part of the problem. We can call it coffee culture but the reality is we all just want the fog to clear and get on with our lives. Maybe I will make a stand and refuse to partake in this absurd ritual. But then again, nostalgia is a comfortable place.
Thanks Portugal, I am sure there is good coffee somewhere.
Burts X
Well Burts, I've had pretty rank coffee in Portugal more times than I can recall. I do love the country though. However, on my last trip, I ordered Specialty beans from a roastery in Porto, whilst I was waiting for my flight out. Problem solved, as they arrived at my holiday home two days later!
I like to ascribe to the James Hoffman theory for occasionally drinking bad coffee...it reminds you how great the great stuff is, so you don't take it for granted!
My wicked alter ego, suggests I'd never encourage people away from the crappy stuff...it leaves all the good stuff for those of us who know better...
Caffeine On, bro...Caffeine On...
Colin.