When I became a college student, I developed a love for white mochas. The mixture of rich, sweet hydrogenated oils, whole milk, and espresso warmed my soul. As I’ve gotten older, fatter, and fiscally responsible, I’ve graduated (or downgraded?) to black coffee.
My coffee has transformed a good amount over the years. I went from white mochas to tuxedo mochas with hazelnut syrup. When I learned white chocolate was not actual chocolate, I turned to regular mochas. Then it came out that my daily intake of sugary, coffee-flavored milk might kill me quickly, so I eschewed flavor for living. I learned how to use French presses, make Turkish coffees, Vietnamese cafe suda, Middle Eastern coffee, Holland drips, Indonesian tubruk, and ye gold-plated filter in a Hario v60 dripper. I occasionally return to my diabetic-inducing roots and go to 7-Eleven for coffee w/ powdered hot chocolate, but more often than not I simply appreciate a well-poured, rich, black coffee.
Two things about coffee have never changed for me. First, coffee makes me a functional person. Second, the presence of coffee instantly turns wherever two people are into a “Third Space”. The Third Space is a theoretical space that (a) is communal; and (b) blurs or collapses boundaries. For example, a table might separate a student and professor, a boss and employee , or strangers from different sides of the world. Coffee makes the encounter comfortable; food, even intimate. Friendships are formed in the Third Space. Lives are celebrated, examined, or mourned. Spirits are refreshed.
My point is this: All of my most satisfying conversations and friendships started and continue over coffee. The coffee itself is nothing, but it affords a time and place seemingly disconnected from the rest of space-time wherein I connect with whomever else shares the space. It is the best when everyone leaves the space: (a) surprised at the time passed; (b) noting how agreeable it was; and (c) promising to meet again. I hope it is thus for you, here in my place. While I take no responsibility for the safety of your computer, I encourage you to read everything with a steaming hot cup of something. Or a coldbrew if you must.
I’m maintaining this blog as a record of my intercultural experiences while in Indonesia. I don’t know how long this blog will last, but I am certain we will have fun in the shared experience. In the words of my new home, Selamat Datang, Assalamualaikum (Welcome, peace unto you)!