{"id":473,"date":"2019-02-01T01:42:13","date_gmt":"2019-02-01T01:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?p=473"},"modified":"2019-02-01T04:36:44","modified_gmt":"2019-02-01T04:36:44","slug":"2019-origin-trip-day-one-and-two","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/2019\/02\/01\/2019-origin-trip-day-one-and-two\/","title":{"rendered":"2019 Origin Trip: Day one and two"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/antigua1.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"564\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/antigua1-1024x564.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/antigua1-1024x564.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/antigua1-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/antigua1-768x423.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/antigua1-555x306.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Antigua, Guatemala<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">When you get into specialty coffee roasting, one of the bucket list items is to travel to a coffee growing community and see how this magic elixir is created. By luck, I was able to make the trek to Guatemala and El Salvador in January 2019. It was quite possibly the most eye-opening, fascinating, and lovely trips I have ever taken in my life. My traveling companions were Cesar from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/category\/Food---Beverage-Company\/Cafe-Rio-Verde-Inc-966065496793080\/\">Caf\u00e9 R\u00edo Verde<\/a> and Kenny from <a href=\"http:\/\/thepourhouse.weebly.com\/\">The Pour House<\/a>. I hope to express the majority of what I saw and my opinions throughout the trip over a series of posts. The first few days were about coffee; the last few were about exploring Guatemala. I hope you\u2019ll take the time to check out all the posts\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align:center\">Day One: Travel to Antigua<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>After a red-eye flight (ugh), a five hour layover in Fort Lauderdale, and a harrowing drive through the streets of Guatemala City and the surrounding hillside, we made it to Antigua, our home base for the majority of our stay. After settling in to my AirBnb (I seriously recommend checking out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/rooms\/27391447?guests=1&adults=1\">Casa Magnolia<\/a> if you visit!), I heard the dulcet sounds of a brass band. Taking advantage of my host\u2019s rooftop terrace, I spied a little parade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"478\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=478\" class=\"wp-image-478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade1-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade2.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"479\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=479\" class=\"wp-image-479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade2-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade3.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"480\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=480\" class=\"wp-image-480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade3.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade3-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade4.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"481\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=481\" class=\"wp-image-481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade4.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade4-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/parade4-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This parade commemorated the <em>Espejo de Justicia<\/em>, or Mirror of Justice, for Mary, Mother of God, \u201cwhose dignity incomparably surpasses all human greatness, and which is the highest to which a creature can be elevated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pretty good sign for the wonders that lay ahead\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align:center\">Day 2: Off to El Salvador<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/elsal.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"526\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/elsal-1024x526.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/elsal-1024x526.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/elsal-300x154.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/elsal-768x395.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/elsal-555x285.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Welcome to El Salvador<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>4:00 in the morning came quickly, but our guide Cesar (who is a regular at our shop and can often be found in the roasterie) <em>highly<\/em> recommended we start out early to beat the Guatemala City traffic. Yeah, that didn\u2019t work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How to explain Guatemala City traffic to someone who hasn\u2019t been there? Imagine, if you will, I-25 here in the Springs in the middle of rush hour. Except for 5 times the traffic. And vehicles 8 abreast in the same amount of concrete. And buses zigging and zagging throughout. And people stopping whenever they feel like it. And motorcycles whizzing between the rows of cars. And people walking on the road. And multiple intersections with just as many vehicles coming at you. It\u2019s a controlled chaos with almost zero accidents and it vaguely reminded me of a packed dance hall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, this traffic started at 4:30, which is about when we hit Guatemala City. Three hours later we finally cleared the city. The trip that should have taken four hours ended up taking 7. But it was worth it in the long run\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our plantation tour of the day was the <a href=\"http:\/\/cafepacas.com\">Caf\u00e9 Pacas<\/a> farms. The host was Miguel Menendez, whose family started the farms in the early 1900s. This farm has been around long enough to actually have a varietal of coffee that is only grown here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/miguel.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/miguel.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/miguel.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/miguel-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/miguel-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Sr Menendez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Caf\u00e9 Pacas farm and mill is exactly like what you see in any other origin report or pictures from farms you can find online. Clean, organized, well managed, and well tended trees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"486\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=486\" class=\"wp-image-486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill1-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>First up the depulping area.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill2.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"487\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=487\" class=\"wp-image-487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill2-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The coffee cherries go into these tanks, then are rushed off to\u2026<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill3.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"488\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=488\" class=\"wp-image-488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill3.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill3-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The depulper. This is one of three sized depulping areas, where the cherries, depending on ripeness and density get sorted for the first time.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill4.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"489\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=489\" class=\"wp-image-489\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill4.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill4-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill4-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>From the depulper, it\u2019s into the fermentation tanks for the beans.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"490\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=490\" class=\"wp-image-490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>After fermentation, the beans are wisked down to the drying patio.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill6.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"492\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=492\" class=\"wp-image-492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill6.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill6-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill6-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Or, some beans are placed on African-style raised drying beds.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill7-768x1024.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill7-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"493\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=493\" class=\"wp-image-493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill7-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill7-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill7-555x740.jpg 555w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill7.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Each batch of coffee is well marked on the beds and the patios.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill8.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill8.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"494\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=494\" class=\"wp-image-494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill8.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill8-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill8-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill8-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Looking over the main drying patio<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill9.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill9.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"495\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=495\" class=\"wp-image-495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill9.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill9-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill9-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill9-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5a.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"491\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=491\" class=\"wp-image-491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5a.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5a-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5a-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill5a-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The Pacas farm employs quite a few people to keep the beans moving to ensure even drying.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill10.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill10.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"496\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=496\" class=\"wp-image-496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill10.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill10-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill10-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill10-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Sorting out the sample bags. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill11.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill11.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"497\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=497\" class=\"wp-image-497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill11.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill11-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill11-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill11-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The Pacas Mill also has a mechanical dryer. Here the next batch of coffee is ready to be bagged.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill12.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill12.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"498\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=498\" class=\"wp-image-498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill12.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill12-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill12-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The bagging machine. The coffee is in pergamino (the resting state) for a few months now.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill13.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill13.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"499\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=499\" class=\"wp-image-499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill13.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill13-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill13-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Bags ready to be sealed.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill14.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill14.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"500\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=500\" class=\"wp-image-500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill14.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill14-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/mill14-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Lots of coffee!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>After the tour, it was time to get down to business. The primary reason we made the trek south was to find coffee for our stores. Kenny, Cesar and I started cupping coffees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"502\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=502\" class=\"wp-image-502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping1.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping1-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Setting it all up<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping2.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"503\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=503\" class=\"wp-image-503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping2-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Lots of samples!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping3.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"504\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=504\" class=\"wp-image-504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping3.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping3-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Ready to start!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping4.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"505\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=505\" class=\"wp-image-505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping4.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping4-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping4-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Pouring the water<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping5.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"506\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=506\" class=\"wp-image-506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping5.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping5-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping5-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Beautiful crust of coffee on top of the cup.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping6.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"507\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=507\" class=\"wp-image-507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping6.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping6-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping6-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Kenny breaking the crust.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping6a.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping6a.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"508\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=508\" class=\"wp-image-508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping6a.jpg 720w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping6a-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping6a-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>My turn to break!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping7.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"509\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=509\" class=\"wp-image-509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping7.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping7-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping7-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Clearing the grounds from the top.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping8.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping8.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"510\" data-link=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/?attachment_id=510\" class=\"wp-image-510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping8.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping8-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping8-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cupping8-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>30 samples to try today!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once we were done with the first batch of cupping, it was time for lunch. We had to do something to calm our coffee-filled stomachs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/lunch.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/lunch.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/lunch.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/lunch-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/lunch-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/lunch-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Cuban-style sandwiches, chips, and a little <em>cerveza<\/em> never hurt anyone\u2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A quick tour of the remainder of the mill and then it was time to go see the trees\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/nursery.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/nursery.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/nursery.jpg 750w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/nursery-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/nursery-555x740.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The nursery. Where your coffee begins. Look closely at the leaves: see the ones with the yellow spots? That\u2019s <em>Roya<\/em>, or Leaf Rust Disease. It is decimating crops throughout Latin America. More on that later..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour1-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>It was time to go up the mountain\u2013literally\u2013to the trees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour2-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Near the top of the <em>finca<\/em>. About 1500 meters higher than where we started.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour3.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour3-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Coffee trees are everywhere. Many are starting to bear fruit, but the fruit isn\u2019t ready to pick yet. Still underripe!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour4.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour4-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>These trees, on the other hand, are definitely ready to be picked.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-518\" srcset=\"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour5.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour5-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/estour5-555x416.jpg 555w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The abandoned and subsequently destroyed old caretaker\u2019s house at the top of the <em>finca.<\/em> Plans are in place to rebuild this as housing for the workers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After making our way down the mountain, we said our goodbyes to Miguel and his entire team and made our way back to Antigua, arriving at 11 at night. Quite a long, caffeinated day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align:center\">My thoughts\u2026<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>El Salvador was spectacular in every way imaginable. Even though we needed armed guards the entire time, I never felt any unease touring this farm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, through all the happiness and welcomingness of the entire organization, there was a subtle, barely perceptible feeling of dread. As I write this, the commodity price of coffee is $1.059\/lb. As Sr. Menendez explained, it takes more than that to tend, harvest, and mill the coffee for export. Throughout the tour of the <em>finca<\/em>, he constantly was pointing out abandoned farm after abandoned farm after abandoned farm adjacent to his. There just simply isn\u2019t enough money in coffee to survive. Anywhere. Another quote from Sr Menendez:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If the coffee pricing doesn\u2019t stabilize soon, the only countries that will be growing coffee will be Brazil and Vietnam.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This should terrify anyone who has anything to do with coffee in any capacity. But what can we do? Well\u2026that\u2019s a post for another time, because it\u2019s just as lengthy as this one. \ud83d\ude42 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tomorrow it\u2019s off to the far reaches of the <em>Quich\u00e9<\/em> region\u2026..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you get into specialty coffee roasting, one of the bucket list items is to travel to a coffee growing community and see how this magic elixir is created. By luck, I was able to make the trek to Guatemala and El Salvador in January 2019. It was quite possibly the most eye-opening, fascinating, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":474,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false},"categories":[60],"tags":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/antigua1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/473"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=473"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/473\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":526,"href":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/473\/revisions\/526"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/474"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=473"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=473"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldenpineroasters.com\/store\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=473"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}