Coffee in three pictures

Because these express exactly how I caffeinate...

Post #2: Coffee

What could be more important than finding a favorite place to retreat to for a delicious cup of coffee when you are in a new city? Granted, we were spoiled by proximity and quality of good coffee in both Jakarta and Arlington. However, on our first outing to discover how the Brazilian bean is treated, we were pleasantly greeted by a causal outdoor seating and aromatic cup of Brazilian beans roasted by the owners at Belini Cafe. The cafe has a mission to re-educate Brazilians about coffee and how it should be drunk with a hefty menu explaining techniques for gathering, roasting, and preparing coffee. For us, it was a heavenly way to spend a Sunday in our new home city, and we almost felt like local regulars already.

Java on Java

Last weekend, we traveled to a magical place amidst volcanoes and coffee plants in Central Java. The Dutch colonial plantation turned spa was a restful respite from the traffic and pace of Jakarta. The weather was breezy and cool and we had access to coffee processed locally from vine to mug.

Our villa

The plantation was surrounded by volcanoes

Coffee tour

Lush, isn't it?

Traditional herbs and spices used in healthful drinks called "jamu"

This is where they process the coffee

Coffee and steamed bananas

Crunchy coffee beans for munching together with palm sugar

The organic garden

Look! It's the season for stinky fruit, durian!

Green gorgeous

Twelve hours

Today, on the first day of spring, as it gently snowed outside of the window as I worked, I did not cry. I made the most perfect cup of coffee to dissuade any negativity. As I sipped, the caffeine persuaded me that twelve hours of daylight was indeed a convincing sign that seasons are in flux.

See for yourself the amazing product of my new coffee machine, neatly displayed in a promotional coffee mug from UT. And, if you feel compelled to join my caffeinated spring-time revelry, come over for a cup of coffee!