For many people, coffee is much more than a beverage. Recently, while visiting a town known for its coffee harvest, I could really grasp this fact. As the harvest season is approaching, I spend more time on the farms and ventured into the mountains of the far south of Colombia. It's a long journey, with very challenging roads, but the scenery takes your breath away.
The mountains are green and imposing, their slopes crossed by rushing rivers of crystal-clear water descending from snow-capped peaks of the highest parts of the mountain range. Along the way, I crossed very old bridges from the colonial era and navigated the winding roads that surround the mountains until I reached the small coffee town of Santa María - Huila.
Santa María's economic activity revolves around coffee. During harvest season, the town comes to life. The small shops are packed, coffee farmers come from their farms in search of pickers, and pickers come from other regions of Colombia in search of work. The streets fill up, music plays, old jeeps loaded with coffee sacks roam the streets, and people of all ages drink coffee in the square. Everything revolves around coffee and it feels almost magical how the culture and traditions are so deeply rooted in this beverage.
I'll be spending a good amount of time on the farm, and I'll tell you much more about the work we're doing with the coffee growers.
Con amor,
Manolo
Comments (2)
I love how you described the local environment surrounding the coffee harvest! It’s fun to imagine being there in person while sipping on these beans. Take me with you next time!!
What beautiful words! Manolo the poet <3 can’t wait to read more about your time in Santa María!