Alternate Vision

The last time I was this addicted to coffee was freshman year in college. Edgar and I would venture out from Simkins at odd hours of the day and night in search of that perfect blend. I couldn't start my day without my daily Americano from the RLM. Come nights, it was Mojo's or the Metro. A point came where without my daily dosage I had withdrawal symptoms, moodswings, sleepless nights; I was worse than addicted. Caffeine, especially in the form of coffee doesn't do too well for my addictive personality. Somehow, thanks to a godsent spell I just stopped one fine day and instead nurtured the tea-enthusiast in me.

A year ago, while in Brazil, I was in constant fear of a relapse. To my advantage however, I found coffee there a tad bit too sweet,strong and milkless for my liking. So I stuck to caipirinhas. Here I am, faced with a similar predicament again. Everytime Ulya brews a fresh pot for someone in the office, just a whiff of that intoxicating smell is enough to leave me drooling. Seconds later, like a little puppy craving milk, I hop over to her office and beg for yet another cup. Over the last week my consumption has steadily increased. Its all for a darn good reason though.

What makes the difference is in the way it is made. A small, long-handeled boiling pot called an ibrik or cevze is used to brew the coffee. Often times cardamom goes into the coffee when it is being ground. The end result is a unique, flavorful cup of dark coffee which after being consumed will leave a dark residue. As part of an age old tradition, the reading of one's fortune in the residue left behind in the cup is common, especially among women. No one here at work know how to do this though. Maybe, I can ask Kaan's mom to do it.