Oh, The Places I Would Go
by Fred Aiken
Any where coffee is grown. So, kinda a lot of places. The few places that I’ve been to, though, are always super serene, remote, and very well maintained.
In another lifetime, I would have wanted to be a coffee farmer.
I enjoyed waking up at dawn, the mist still hanging low over the plantation, the air crisp and clean. The first rays of the sun casting a golden hue over the verdant hillsides. There’s a rhythm to the days there, dictated not by clocks or schedules, but by the needs of the plants and the progress of the seasons. It’s a life grounded in the earth, a life that, despite its hard work, holds a kind of peaceful simplicity.
But back to reality, and my insatiable wanderlust for the lands that grow my favorite brew. Top of my list is Colombia. It’s not just about the coffee—though let’s be honest, it’s mostly about the coffee—it’s also the allure of its diverse landscapes. From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the rolling hills of the coffee triangle, Colombia seems like a place where tradition and modernity dance together in perfect harmony. Plus, the sheer variety of microclimates means every cup tells a different story.
Then there’s Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee itself. I dream of walking through the ancient forests of the Kaffa region, where wild coffee plants still grow. There’s something almost spiritual about the idea of tasting coffee in the place where it all began, where the beans are as much a part of the culture as the people themselves. And let’s not forget the coffee ceremonies—an elaborate, slow process that transforms brewing coffee into an art form, a communal experience that connects people over shared aromas and flavors.
Vietnam is another must-visit. The country has a fascinating coffee culture, with its own unique twist—think rich, dark brews mixed with sweetened condensed milk, creating a concoction that’s both dessert and beverage. The bustling coffee shops of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, filled with the hum of scooters and the scent of brewing beans, offer a completely different vibe from the serene plantations. It’s a reminder that coffee isn’t just about the drink itself, but about the experiences and memories that come with it.
And let’s not forget Costa Rica. The country’s commitment to sustainable coffee farming is something to admire. I imagine trekking through the lush, green coffee farms of the Central Valley, learning about the intricate processes that ensure each cup is both delicious and environmentally friendly. The idea of sitting on a terrace, sipping a freshly brewed cup while overlooking a volcano, is nothing short of a dream.
Of course, these are just the highlights. There are countless other places I long to explore—Brazil, Kenya, Panama, Yemen—you know, once the war is done with and it is safe to travel in. Each country has its own unique relationship with coffee, its own stories to tell. And I want to hear them all, one cup at a time.
In every corner of the coffee-growing world, there’s a story waiting to be discovered, a new flavor to savor, a new perspective to gain. It’s about more than just the drink; it’s about the journey, the people, and the landscapes that make each cup possible. So, here’s to the next adventure, wherever it may lead, fueled by curiosity and, of course, a good cup of coffee.
Fred Aiken Writing 