“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but mud can only get your clothes dirty.” Linh-Mai
Today we Glimpsers learned about Global Business through the coffee Industry. At the El Parasio Coffee Farm we saw where it all begins in terms of coffee.While hiking through mud, light rain, and red ants, we learned about the process of growing and picking coffee beans, and all while being surrounded by all of the breathtaking shades of green you can think of.
We were lead around by a security guard of El Paraiso on one of the many trails workers have to essentially climb everyday. The entire way up the “Coffee Mountain” we were surrounded by beautiful green trees that wrapped around the fog that seemed to white out the rest of the world. Because coffee harvest season is at a close, we weren’t able to see trees filled with coffee beans, but we were still able to see the trees at their different stages of growth. Along with the fog, we also experience light showers that help the coffee grow, but unfortunately didn’t help the already slippery mud which only continued to get more unstable.
On our otherworldly hike, we came across red ants, which would have been fine if they didn’t
believe we were snacks for them. We had to share a trail with them, and they took it upon themselves to come onto us and try to chow down. Jada told me, “Now whenever something goes wrong, I can just say to myself ‘well, at least there aren’t red ants.'”
After El Paraiso, we saw and tasted the end product of the hard labor the workers produce at the Beneficio Don Esteban. We were lucky enough to get a free tour of a Coffee
Market by the lovely Francisco, who is a coffee cupper at the Beneficio. For those who don’t know, a coffee cuppers job is to take a small sample of the coffee beans, brew it, then rate it on a chart based on certain aspects of the taste (acidity, sweetness, etc.), color, and aroma of the coffee. Fansisco even let us try the coffee, and his job. We didn’t have to fill in charts, but we did get to do everything else and pretend to be knowledgeable in the different characteristics of coffee, and look somewhat professional while doing so. I know after experiencing only the tip of the metaphorical iceberg in relation to the coffee industry, I will savor every last ounce of coffee I drink for the rest of my life.
Following another amazing meal at Abya Yala, we all taught various ages in our English Tutoring lessons. I teach in the intermediate room, and they are wonderful. We teach mostly juniors in high school, and the amount of English they already know is truly amazing. I only know the basic of basics when it comes to Spanish, and a few students are already teaching me the practice sentences we have them write in English, in Spanish! I never thought I would enjoy teaching so much.
Tomorrow we’re having a similar adventure, and an early start. We’re all really excited and eager to learn more. Stay tuned to know more!
P.S. Mom, I love you and I promise to call tomorrow during rest time. Same for you Granny! XOXO
Sounds like you guys had lots of fun! Jada please take your Benadryl if the ants loved you a little too much! I can’t wait to hear more about your adventures. Love Mom
Wow, chocolate and now coffee? You must be in heaven!! Thank you for the beautiful post, AJ! What a fabulous experience I can only imagine you are all having. I cam almost smell the aromas and feel the fog enveloping me from your words that articulated your day. I’m not in the least bit surprised that you are taking to teaching like a natural, you come from a long line of teachers. It warms my heart to know that you are making as much of an impact on those around you as you are affected by them. I look forward to hearing your much loved and missed voice when you call. Xoxoxoxo Mom
Hi Amya Joy and fellow travelers, Wow, it sounds so beautiful there. I bet it smells great in the woods too. The thing that came to mind as I read your blog, was how different the world will feel after this trip. Coffee and chocolate are just the beginning and visible symbols. It will seem strange to sit in front of TV, listening to someone tell you what you need to buy, knowing that you can now live on $1 a day. Well, maybe a bit more here in the U.S.:-) I look forward to your blog each morning because it’s so inspirational and I can start the day with your positive vibes. Thanks everyone for doing this:-) much love, Granny