"When you step on the brakes your life is in your foot's hands." - George Carlin

Pictures from my day.

We went to Brit, a big coffee company that started here in Costa Rica and is now in 10 countries. They buy from growers and then roast, package, and sell the coffee. The two guys who led our small group had a script that was a bit campy, but the information was fascinating. And too much to remember. So I concentrated on the things that mattered for my purposes, like the darker the roast the stronger the taste but the less caffeine. That you should NEVER reheat coffee. That the Arabaca bean is one of the most mellow tasting and also the lowest in caffeine.

< Our group consisted of Pastor Alonzo, Laurie (I'm staying at their home and her husband Juan couldn't come), and her daughter Elena. (As always, click to enlarge)

You start out in front of the operation where they have a beautiful garden area full of native flora.









When you begin the tour you learn about the different regions and the coffee produced in each. "You Are Here"

Then they show you the various steps in coffee production: planting, cultivation, harvesting, cleaning, roasting, and packaging.

It really was very interesting, including their instruction on how you should drink coffee. Get the water boiling and then stop the heat. When the bubbles stop the water is the perfect temperature. Use a French Press. Put the coffee that doesn't fit in your cup into a Thermos so you don't have to reheat it. Drink your coffee at gradually cooling temps to note how the flavor changes, and at which temp it gives you the flavor you like best.
We also learned how coffee production has changed over the decades, moving toward a more ecologically responsible process.

From the tour to lunch - Alonzo and I - and two hours talking shop. Wonderful time. Then to the church to meet with Kevin, a 22-year old student in the Bible Institute. He's very bright and our discussion of some theological issues relevant to his current educational stage demonstrated that guy has a future.

Back to my hosts' for a short nap, a quick bite to eat, and then to church for the evening's meeting. Again, a good, attentive, interactive group. And Alonzo does a great job translating. We work easily together.

The shirts we are wearing are gifts from a couple in the church. The wife works for the business that provides the official gear for the Costa Rica Futbol team. C.R. played Uruguay tonight and these people are soccer crazy. I'm told these shirts aren't available to the general public, only for those associated with the team. I wore it with pride!

This pic was taken the previous night, but it's the one I got that shows a portion of the group.

So there you have my day. And it's done. Or I am. If you want to carry on without me, fine. But I'm going to BED!