A Cup of Coffee

A Cup of Coffee:

From the tantalizing aroma of freshly ground beans, the many scents of coffee speak peace, calm and comfort!  With the earliest substantiated evidence of coffee consumption or the knowledge of the coffee tree appearing in the middle of the 15th century, this aromatic beverage, primarily consumed in the Islamic world, was connected to religious practices. Sipping a steaming cup of this classic comfort beverage, invigorates the mind, heightens the senses and beckons to be shared with others.

With over one and half billion people worldwide consuming coffee daily, coffee houses are appearing everywhere, some countries, more passionate when it comes to "their" coffee than others.  Last year's visit to Barcelona provided, a glimpse, if only for the moment, into the world population's passion for coffee consumption.  

Starbucks is Starbucks is Starbucks...what more can I say.  Visiting this small coffee house nestled in between major designer shops, museums, sidewalk tapas bars, all located amongst the stately but gnarly shaped sycamore trees, one was able to thoroughly understand the inspiration of native born Catalonian architect, Antoni Gaudi, all while leisurely sipping a cup of coffee.  Yet what amazed me most, was the diverse crowd awaiting their daily dose of this "magic elixir."  The baristas spoke limited English, as did the signage, yet coffee speaks a universal language, crossing all cultural barriers.  Searching out other cups being prepared, quickly pointing out you want the same or pointing to the ice for cold brew or iced, the barista quickly figures it out....if not, you may have just found a new favorite drink and........by chance, only for moment, crossed that cultural barrier and accepted we are all human, mistakes are made but our passion for coffee is mutual!