In this part of the world we usually associate coffee with a hot drink, and not so much with a cold drink or ice cream. So in these mountainous places it is common to see that they process it on their own and consume it throughout the year. The methods of preparation also vary. I often come across a somewhat different answer to the others. But this time I was delighted to see a scene like few others that testifies to this diversity.

It was a September morning. We were visiting a rural town about 1500 meters above sea level. The sun was shining but the weather was still cold, and the wind was affecting the wind chill. When I finished saying hello in one of the houses I looked towards one of its sides, and there was the stove working in what looked like the family's breakfast. I asked the owner of the house if I was right, and after confirming it, she allowed me to take a picture. I took the shot at 9:27 a.m.

The first thing I can say is that the preparation method is not the surprising thing. The famous cloth strainer was present, with that color that guarantees that it has had many washings and its owners are reluctant to give it retirement. By the way, I recently learned about when it should be replaced, but I'll leave that for another post.

Could it be that we all have a exclusive pot for brewing coffee? It's easy to see clearly that this is the one in charge at home. You can tell it has stood up to use and abuse. Its material is very good, and it has stood the test of time. I wonder how well it will do at retaining heat or making it easier for the water to boil.

But what piqued my curiosity the most was the small pot next to the fire. I asked what was in it and was told, "Coffee". I opened my eyes in surprise and asked, "And doesn't it start to boil in that place?" And they told me no, that was far enough to keep it hot.

They had already brewed a while ago. They had shared that first cup of coffee between them in the morning, and had left the rest for breakfast. By the way, if you hadn't noticed, it's that tremendous family-sized corn arepa sitting on the little griddle above the fire. When she is ready they will surely accompany her with margarine, some filling they have, and the coffee, which is already ready, and hot.

The electric coffee makers keep the coffee hot by means of an electric resistance that reaches a sufficient temperature so that the beverage is ready to serve for the necessary time. Here we have a method that is still useful, that may have been in use for centuries but I don't remember seeing it before. It is still effective, and I am grateful to have seen it for when I have to prepare coffee in such an environment.

Here is one of the wonderful things about coffee. Although it is true that its preparation becomes quite an art, with measurements, temperatures, proportions and ideal times, it is so noble that it can be prepared even in the most distant places with a few basic and simple things. In addition, due to the desire and experience of those who prepare it, it can be adapted to the methods adopted for its preparation and preservation.

I liked this photo very much, and it is something special that I can keep from that beautiful morning.