SUSTAINABLE FARMING – HARMONY IN DIVERSITY

“The essence of beauty is unity in variety.” –
Felix Mendelssohn, German composer (1809 – 1847)

Coffee plantation

Many coffee farmers do not only grow coffee plants on their plantations. Instead. They cultivate the coffee plants in the in the shade of taller trees together with various types of fruits and vegetables such as bananas or corn. In doing so, farmers not only gain additional income from the fruits and vegetables. But they also promote a sustainable coffee production and therefore impact on the environment in a positive way. For example, taller trees not only provide shade for coffee plants, but they also stabilize the soil and attract birds. A rich fauna attracts pollinators and supports a healthy soil. Continue reading SUSTAINABLE FARMING – HARMONY IN DIVERSITY →

SHADE GROWN COFFEE CHERRIES

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today.
– Chinese proverb

Trees on Coffee plantation

We need trees. Why are trees so important? According to the Irish Botanist, Diana Beresford-Kroeger, trees are the most important living organisms on earth! Trees protect and feed our planet. They provide life-giving oxygen, store carbon and stabilise the soil.

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BAJAREQUE – IN PANAMA CITY

Casco Viejo, Panama City

Today we went to Bajareque, a small fascinating coffee shop in Casco Viejo, a neighborhood in Panama City with lots of Spanish colonial architecture. As soon as the barista of the coffee shop found out that we are passionate about coffee, he introduced us to a manager, who gave us a detailed presentation about their business. He showed us many photographs of the farm, which is supplying the coffee… Continue reading BAJAREQUE – IN PANAMA CITY →

THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS AROUND DA LAT, VIETNAM: A COFFEE PARADISE

Da Lat, Central Vietnam

They cooperate closely with farmers who own small coffee plantations in the outskirts of Da Lat. It is their aim to create a support framework to empower farmers so that they are fully equipped with the vital skills required to cultivate and process high-quality Arabica coffee beans. Passion goes a long way. Continue reading THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS AROUND DA LAT, VIETNAM: A COFFEE PARADISE →

THE AROMA OF TARRAZU, COSTA RICA

TARRAZU

We rented a car for 1 week and explored the Tarrazu region, which is located in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. This area is a gourmet coffee growing center of the country and a mecca for coffee-lovers.
While driving through the highlands and valleys, we passed many coffee fields. We saw quiet mountain towns surrounded by spectacular mountains, which are completely covered with shiny-leafed coffee bushes. Continue reading THE AROMA OF TARRAZU, COSTA RICA →

THE GALLERY DRIP COFFEE, BANGKOK – A WORK OF ART

LIFE IS ART.

The Gallery Drip Coffee shop is located at the bottom floor of the Bangkok Art and Culture Center, right next to the entrance.

Surrounded by lofty glass windows, the space of the coffee-shop is limited yet it is bursting with inspiring work of art. Guests are invited to enjoy coffee while appreciating art in a relaxed atmosphere. Pi and Natthiti use their shop to promote the work of fellow artists.

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HEIRLOOM ARABICA – ETHIPIAN COFFEES

Heirloom’ coffees – Enjoy delicious historic flavors

When trying to capture the essence of Ethiopian coffees, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, a Chicago based US coffee roasting company, cites the American dancer, Isadora Duncan (1877-1927):

“No, I can’t explain the dance to you. If I could tell you what it meant, there would be no point in dancing it.”

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CAFE RUIZ, BOQUTE, PANAMA AND CAFE PRINCESCA

Boquete in Panama

We arrived at the mountain town of Boquete in Panama. There are many coffee plantations in Boquete. Today we took time and visited one of Panama’s most famous family-owned coffee companies: Cafe Ruiz.
Our tour guide Carlos informed us about the art of growing, processing and tasting coffee. Continue reading CAFE RUIZ, BOQUTE, PANAMA AND CAFE PRINCESCA →

CAPTURING THE COFFEE AROMA WITH SMILE – COSTA RICA

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica

We traveled to Monteverde in the Central Highlands Region of Costa Rica. A long winding dirt road with excellent views leads to this mountaintop paradise. Monteverde is located between two cloud forests.

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THE HIGLANDS OF ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA

Province of Alajuela, Costa Rica

San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is Province of Alajuela, Costa Rica surrounded by many small, charming towns and picturesque hills. Many of them are covered with coffee plantations. We took the time and visited the lovely towns Grecia, Sarchi, Naranjo and Zarcero. Continue reading THE HIGLANDS OF ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA →

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Mindful Living with Coffee