I learned a lot about coffee; I had no idea what a complicated and long process it is. I won't recount all the details about how coffee is made, because to be honest, I don't remember! What I do remember, because it surprised me was that of the original bean, which they call the "cherry", only 20% of the weight is actually used in the coffee making process. Eighty percent of the layers protecting the good part of the bean are not needed, but are used in fertilizer. Apparently the reason why Costa Rican coffee is sooooo GOOD is because of how the nearby mountains make the soil more fertile.
Our tour concluded with a demonstration and then a play. Lindsay and I were chosen to help with the demonstration. We learned how to properly smell the coffee and how to cool it properly before drinking it, and also how to properly "slurp" it to taste it. He said we were too polite because he couldn't hear our "slurps!" As a reward for becoming coffee tasting experts, Lindsay and I received the "Coffee Picker" hats!
After our tour we had a yummy lunch at the restaurant there, which was of course followed by more coffee. Then at the gift shop there were samples of every type of coffee that is sold at Cafe Britt. Needless to say, I had WAY MORE than the recommended amount of coffee for a single day!
Today, Sunday, I was very perezoso (lazy); however, I did wake up at 9 to stream the Northland service (which was at 11 in the US). They always welcome the online viewers and today, "Morgan in Costa Rica" was among those named...that's me! It's pretty cool that I can be here in my Costa Rican family's home worshipping at the same time as others that I know.
We had a HUGE breakfast again, but what's new. I feel like every day I eat enough to feed a family of four... do I look that malnourished?! Mama Ticá really enjoys cooking, and she does an excellent job of doing so. This morning we had eggs topped with salsa, gallo pinto, platanos, 2 pieces of bread, watermelon, strawberries, a banana, and of course coffee! I was still full by the time dinner rolled around. Although I wish the portions weren't so massive, I have to admit that I will really miss the food here once I return to the states. ¡Que delicioso!
As we were studiously working on reading "La Tala," Mama Tica brought us a mid-afternoon pick-me-up of coffee flavored helado (ice cream). That was the first time I have had ice cream in three weeks (since I left the US), and I savored every bite. Still having withdrawals from yesterday's extreme intake of coffee, Lindsay and I later went to buy iced mochas. Let's see how much sleep I get tonight...After dinner tonight, Mama Tica, Lindsay, and I watched "The Roommate." Unfortunately it was in English, unlike the Orphanage which we watched yesterday, but we put on the Spanish subtitles. I have nothing to complain about when I see what a psycho roommate Sara had in the movie. Creeeeeper. Anyways, it was nice bonding time with Mama Tica, but I hope she doesn't have nightmares because of the movie!
Tomorrow begins week four, our last week of classes in Heredia, before we leave for Samara. Time is passing quickly!
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| The four stages in a coffee "nursery" |
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| Baby coffee beans...how cute! |
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smell the coffee...  ...then taste the coffee |
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| New hats! |
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