Let’s talk about coffee.  When I talk about coffee, what I’m really talking about is community.  It’s my observation that there is a clear divide in caffeine quoffing.  It’s coffee drinkers versus tea drinkers.  Of course, this is a huge generalisation, but stick with me.  Until five years ago, I was solely a tea drinker; however, sooner or later – when you reach a certain age – tea is no longer strong enough to keep you awake alert.  Alertness calls for something stronger.  I’m not talking anything illegal; I’m talking coffee – specifically three double-shot espressos a day.  Suddenly, coffee is nigh on a religious experience for me.

My husband and I are both introverts.  We don’t socialise much.  Nevertheless, we have found that somehow coffee has a way of bringing people together.  As a tea drinker who has switched to coffee, I’ve really noticed the extra pulling power of coffee.  I’m not trying to denigrate tea, no way.  I can appreciate the allure of tea ceremonies and high teas, but they’re really only for special occasions, right?  No-one queues to buy a cup of tea.  But, there is community in coffee. Read more