I was a late comer to coffee, over fifty when I experienced my first cup. Memory of the moment fades, but coffee has altered my routines. Its become significant in my life, and is a companion whose joys are a daily gift.
My favorite coffee is Nguvu, an blend of African beans found in Charleston, SC at Kudo, the only coffee house which brews coffee from beans grown by co-op farms in Africa. Nguvu is a dark roast, robust, with tones of creamy chocolate and an uplifting reverie.
Kudo, decorated with African decor and art, named for a gazelle whose gentleness is celebrated in its unbounded freedom. Kudo has nooks, corners, and newspapers. Neighbors and college students make it a cross roads, like the markets in African villages. This changing community is defined by those who share the values of time and tradition, who appreciate smiles, and polite courtesies with a modern twist. Lots of lap tops and wide-tipped highlighters share space with the earth-toned ceramic mugs on the tables that circle the counter and line the windows.
Outside the side door (with a shelf to hold your coffee as you open the door) are more tables in a green garden set in a patio courtyard. Charleston's ocean breezes whisper on your skin and the sun touches your face as you rise the mug and anticipate the sip and then realize the satisfaction of taste and transformed time.
Minutes go by. The sunlight moves, playfully finding new places to chase the breeze's cool touch. Rivals, they play for fun and love. Suddenly above, the clouds drift free. You think, they too know the wind and the light, just as I do. You have another sip. You think of the great staff, eager to greet you, who remember your coffee choice and the color of your mub. You can't wait until tomorrow to do it again.
