In this last trip to Colombia- Latin Organics took the opportunity to do some coffee tasting or cupping sessions with certified Colombian experts. With Latin Organics we had a group of Koreans. One was a National Barista Champion and the other three were Korean Cupping experts. We put our taste buds to the test. We tried different and new varieties of Coffee that are being grown on Colombian soil. We tried a Mokka, Peaberry and Ethiopian coffee plants grown in Colombia. Talk about globalization at the level of agricultural plants! I can say that the way that these Koreans tested the coffee was admirable. Before and after the cupping sessions we went to several coffee farms to see the coffee plants and learn why and how the plants look different from each other. We saw the whole process of coffee , which included seeing the coffee plant as seedlings, observing how the composting is done- seeing what type of worms are used for this purpose, how the coffee cherries are picked, transported and how they are dried once the pulp is removed. We visited several of the living quarters of the workers and their cafeterias with stainless steel tables where the food is prepared. We also got to see the coffee workers having a break out on the field. They work very hard.

It was interesting to see local people drying the coffee on the street. Seeing the small Tiendas (corner stores)- where we stopped to buy water to drink- was very colourful and relaxing.  The beauty of the mountains and country side of Colombia is stunning. We saw so many butterflies, different flowering plants, so much bio diversity- that one can only think that Mother Nature is very happy in this part of the world. The warmth and friendliness of these farmers is unique. Despite the political and social atmosphere in Colombia, when you are in the country side, Mother Nature gives you a sense of peace. I walked up a mountain full of coffee plants and reached an altitude of 2000 meters. I wished I had wings to fly over this breath taking beauty.

The Koreans shared with me a tradition that they have, where-by when on a high mountain, you stand on the border, you fill your lungs with air and then you yell out with all your might and release all your worries. It is supposed to be very healing. So here we were at the top of this mountain- where we all took turns to follow this Korean tradition. After we came down from the mountain- still at a high elevation we went to the house of one of the farmers. They offered us to drink cold Agua de Panela. This house had the most beautiful view I have ever seen. The view was of a valley of different tones and textures of green that would extend beyond to the end of the horizon, touching the blue sky. In this house- lived a little girl named Sara- the same name of my four year old daughter. Sara, was very shy but she finally accepted to sit with me. We had our picture taken. My thought at that moment was, wow- she is as young as my daughter, she is Colombian as I am and she deserves to have everything that life has to offer. Latin Organics needs to work hard to achieve this for these people. Direct Trade- there is no other way.  That is our mission. One product at a time, one relationship at a time, one new customer at a time.