Like most things in life, if you'd just delve into a particular topic, you'd be amazed at the rich tapestry of culture and stories involved with it. A great example is that of coffee. Now to the average consumer, they may not think too much of it. They know that it's widely accessible, and that it tastes good. And if you want to make some at home you'd just buy a coffee maker and some beans. Well that is a great outline for the coffee culture, but you can literally expand on each specific element of coffee ranging from it's history, to how it's purchased, how to properly taste test coffee, roasting strategies, grinding techniques, brewing tips, serving styles, and how to grow coffee itself. If you are remotely interested in coffee, then you owe it to yourself to get some books on this massively interesting topic. There are even entire careers beyond being a server within the coffee industry from the science of coffee, to business, and logistics. It's much more than meets the eye and yet it's something we take for granted on a daily basis. I am sure that once you've learned more about the nuances and intricacies of coffee, your coffee days will never be the same. You will know that being a connoisseur is not just about being a pretentious know-it-all who makes others feel dumb, but someone who truly knows how to enjoy real coffee. |
