The other night, while looking for something to watch, I came across a TV special on Coffee and Coffeehouses. It talked about how it was first discovered in Ethipoia (funny story about this later on) and then spread to Egypt and Arabia, and all around the Middle East where it became extremely popular in the muslim world. From there it spread to Italy and the rest of Europe. There it was forbidden for awhile because they saw it as a Muslim drink, until the Pope deemed coffee a “Christian beverage.” It became popular in England for a long time until they learned how to make tea, which was cheaper and easier to make. Eventually it made its way to America where it spread like wild fire.
Anyway, a lot of the special was about the way coffee effected society, and the importance of coffeehouses. Before coffee, people had nothing better to do when they got together than drink themselves silly. With the discovery of coffee, they could enjoy a fancy beverage and still remain in their right minds enough to have a meaningful conversation. Things started getting done, because rather than picking fights and passing out by the toilet, people were discussing things that needed doing. They were making plans, talking about the economy and government, and talking about how to better the world.
The coffeehouse became a popular and lively place, where all members of society could get together and down a few hot ones. I remember one lady on the TV said something to the effect of “They didn’t go to coffeehouses to drink coffee. They went there to have a conversation, and coffee was only the excuse.” People wouldn’t go there to just talk to people they know. It was perfectly normal to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger.
Watching that special made me really want to find a coffeehouse that was closer to that old image than to the current model. For awhile now I’ve been getting tired of Starbucks. I haven’t been in at least a month, partly because we recently got an espresso machine, but also because Starbucks isn’t personal anymore. It’s more of a franchise than a coffeehouse. And as cheesy as it sounds, I think it has lost its charm. Also it’s more overpriced than a free ticket to a Katy Perry concert.
Much to my delight though I discovered a new coffeehouse that was just put in not too long ago by my house, called Boston Coffeehouse. I came in yesterday to try it, and loved it right away! They have a huge menu of breakfast items, lunch foods, smoothies, coffee, and of course tasty pastries. I was overwhelmed by all the choices, so I asked the lady behind the counter to choose for me. And well, it was good! So good I came back the next day (today.) I’m sitting here now writing this and looking around at everyone sitting at tables talking, eating, drinking, waitresses walking around bringing people their drinks. That’s right, they bring you your food!
Ha, it’s kind of funny. I was talking about people sitting by themselves on their laptops at Starbucks, and here I am writing on my laptop..alone…IN A CAVE…WITH A BOX OF SCRAPS!!!! (sorry, Iron Man reference) Anyway, point is that I’m liking Boston Coffeehouse way better than Starbucks. It’s much more personal and friendly, and most importantly, cheaper. It’s decorated all fancy like and it makes me feel at home. I’m definitely going to become a regular here.
Now I realize this blog was quite pointless, but sitting here has put me in a creative writing mood and I felt like sharing my joy of finding a good place to buy hot brown liquid. Before I hit the publish button though, I’d like to share my dad and my idea for a new coffee company, named after the first discovery of Coffee. Legend says that coffee was first discovered by some Ethiopian shepherds when they noticed that their goats were “dancing” after eating some coffee berries.
So we came up with the idea for the “Dancing Goat Coffee Company.” ….. Crap. Just googled ‘dancing goat.’ Looks like I’m not the first to think of it. They’ve got a sweet logo and everything. I wanted to make a logo… Now I don’t get to photoshop anything. Well poo.
I’m going to go cry now. Bye.
