Coffee is the morning kick for most people — and I’m one of them. In exploring how coffee connects cultures, I’ve come to realize its universal appeal goes beyond just taste. There’s something about the smell of freshly brewed coffee that signals the start of a new day. For me, coffee isn’t just a caffeine fix — it’s part of a routine that brings comfort, focus, and joy.
My coffee journey began back in college, when I took a part-time job at Starbucks Coffee in Japan. What started as a way to support myself soon became the foundation of a lifelong love for coffee.
At Starbucks Japan, the training was more than just learning how to make drinks or memorize recipes. We dove deep into the history, science, and culture of coffee.
It amazed me how soil, altitude, and processing methods affect the flavor of a single cup. A bean grown in the volcanic highlands of Guatemala might taste bright and citrusy. In contrast, one from Indonesia’s lowlands offers rich, earthy tones. Coffee, like wine or tea, is an agricultural product shaped by its origin — and that realization changed how I experienced every cup.
A Sip of History: The Origins of Coffee
The true origin of coffee is steeped in legend, but one popular tale begins in the Ethiopian highlands. A goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats became unusually energetic after eating red berries from a particular shrub. Curious, Kaldi tried them himself and felt the same burst of energy.
He brought the berries to a local monastery, where the monks, suspicious at first, tossed them into a fire. But as the beans roasted, a rich aroma filled the air. Intrigued, the monks ground the roasted beans, mixed them with hot water — and created what may have been the world’s first cup of coffee.
Whether myth or truth, Ethiopia remains one of the most celebrated coffee-producing countries today. Its beans are known for floral, fruity profiles and are often processed using traditional sun-drying methods that enhance their complexity.
From Africa to the World
From Ethiopia, coffee spread to Yemen, where Sufi monks used it to stay alert during long prayers. The drink gained popularity across the Middle East. Coffee houses — known as qahveh khaneh — became social hubs for music, conversation, and storytelling.
By the 15th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and eventually the rest of the world. It sparked revolutions, fueled artists and thinkers, and became a daily ritual across continents.
Carrying the Ritual Forward
Even after I left Starbucks, my appreciation for coffee remained strong. My interest in how coffee connects cultures remained strong too. I still remember the care with which we pulled espresso shots, steamed milk to the perfect texture, and served customers who’d say, “This is just what I needed today.” Those moments made me proud to be part of someone’s daily ritual.
Today, brewing coffee is still my morning ritual. Before I make a cup, I ask myself: what kind of energy do I need? A bold espresso for a strong start? A slow, rich French press for quiet mornings? A foamy latte when I crave comfort?
These days, I enjoy experimenting with different brewing methods at home — French press, pour-over, and cold brew in the summer. I also love visiting local cafés while traveling. Coffee shops, whether it’s a serene café in Kyoto or a bustling espresso bar in Rome, reflect the culture and soul of a place. But as much as I love making coffee at home, there’s something truly special about visiting local cafés while traveling. For me, it’s one of the most exciting parts of any trip.
Whether it’s a minimalist, quiet café tucked away in a Kyoto alleyway, or a lively espresso bar in the heart of Rome, coffee shops often reflect the rhythm and culture of the city around them. You can feel the pulse of a place in how people drink their coffee — quick and strong in Italy, slow and contemplative in Japan, social and lively in Colombia. These local cafés are more than just spots for caffeine. They’re cultural microcosms — where locals gather, ideas are exchanged, and everyday life unfolds. I love striking up conversations with baristas, asking about the local roasts, or just quietly observing how people enjoy their coffee. It’s a simple but meaningful way to connect with a destination on a deeper level.
Immersed in the Story of Coffee
One of the most memorable coffee experiences I’ve ever had was visiting La Casa Grande Coffee Hacienda. It is nestled in the lush mountains just outside Medellín, Colombia. As someone who has brewed, served, and savored coffee in many forms, walking through a working coffee plantation brought everything full circle. At La Casa Grande, I wasn’t just learning about coffee—I was immersed in its story, from seed to sip.
We were even invited to wear traditional coffee farmer attire. The poncho we wore was originally used to cover a donkey’s eyes while crossing frightening bridges. The wide-brimmed hats worked as makeshift fans and doubled as pockets to hold coffee berries during harvest. Once in the field, it all made perfect sense—the fashion was functional, designed for the tough terrain and the demands of harvesting.
A Steep Walk Through Coffee Country
The tour began with a scenic walk through the plantation, where rows of coffee plants stretched across steep hillsides. Our guide, Estephan, explained the traditional growing practices passed down through generations. He explained how elements like altitude, shade, and soil shape the flavor profile of the beans. I even had the chance to hand-pick ripe coffee cherries, still warm from the Colombian sun—an experience that felt both grounding and magical.
Coffee is a very particular plant. It needs the right soil, the perfect balance of sun exposure, and consistent humidity. The plantation itself was built on steep slopes, making it a challenge to walk and even more difficult to reach the tops of the trees.
Estephan told us just how many cherries it takes to make a single cup of coffee—something I’d never considered. It was also my first time seeing a real coffee tree and tasting a fresh coffee berry: slightly sweet, a little sour, and completely unexpected.
From Bean to Brew: A Labor of Love
Inside the hacienda, we explored the full post-harvest process: pulping, washing, drying, and roasting. What struck me most was the patience and care that went into every step. Nothing was rushed. Every stage was handled with pride. You could truly feel the love behind the beans.
At the end of the tour, we were treated to a tasting of fresh brews made from beans grown right on the farm. The cup I had was bold, rich with notes of cocoa, citrus, and a soft floral finish—Colombian coffee at its best. Sharing that moment with the farmers who nurtured those beans made it even more meaningful.
Coffee as Journey, Ritual, and Responsibility
Before the tour began, Estephan asked, “What is coffee to you? Describe it in one word.” My answer was “journey.” For me, coffee is a way to connect with local culture. Wherever I go, I find myself in local cafés, soaking in the atmosphere, the flavors, and the stories. Historically, coffee traveled from Ethiopia to the world. I believe it remains one of the best ways to taste the local.
Other participants answered “ritual,” describing coffee as a sacred part of their daily lives—something that makes them feel alive and ready to face the day.
But Estephan ended with a sobering message. Many coffee growers in Colombia are aging. There’s a growing lack of successors to continue the craft. In just a few decades, this tradition might disappear. It was a heavy thought—one that made me reflect on how important it is to support agricultural programs that sustain these communities and traditions. Helping preserve coffee culture in Colombia isn’t just about protecting a product. It’s about supporting the identity and progress of a nation.
Final Sip
Coffee is more than just a drink — it’s a global ritual, a shared language, and a journey that connects us to people and places. For me, it started as a college job. Now, it’s part of how I explore the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or just discovering its magic.
Are you interested in trying real coffee in Colombia to see how coffee connects cultures? Or wanting to visit Medellin?
Here is another link for other blog about Medellin.