Coffee: The Familiar In The Unfamiliar

Two-thirds of American adults (66 %) drink coffee daily. I know this experience isn’t unique to me, and that’s why I can write it here.

The first thing I want in the morning, sometimes even what I think about before bed, is coffee. The sweet aroma of morning, the ritual, the comfort. I could start my day without it, but that doesn’t sound like a day I want to be part of.

A really good day begins with coffee. Preferably a cappuccino, maybe a latte if it means saving a few bucks. But I do love that soft cloud of foam on top. It’s a small way to keep something consistent, a routine to maintain abroad. The familiar surrounded by the unfamiliar.

Some of the best coffee I’ve ever had was in Spain, during my second trip to Europe. That’s when I first discovered European cappuccinos, I say this because honestly, they hit differently. I’ve spent years debating what makes them so good. The beans? Probably not, we’re all using similar ones. The idea of being in Europe going to my head? Possibly. The milk? That’s my current theory. They treat cows differently in Europe, and you can taste it.

There’s something comforting about the lattes my husband makes at home. And something astonishing about the ones I’ve had around the world.

That’s the point of travel, I think, not to escape, but to experience. To have love and comfort waiting at home, and wonder waiting abroad. Even in something as simple as coffee.

I don’t want to know any version of me who hasn’t tried Australian coffee. This was unexpected for me and reason enough to go back. The Netherlands deserves a mention too. And Bali? Solid black coffee, usually not my style, but I can’t deny my taste buds.

I don’t know exactly why it is so good, and maybe I don’t need to. When something tastes that perfect, I’m okay not having all the answers.

Love always, not your therapist