Almost every person I know starts their day off with a fashionable cup of coffee. Whether it’s an espresso, Frappuccino, white chocolate or filter coffee, the branded-cup-in-hand phenomenon has overwhelmed the entire planet. But it’s not only about the coffee-in-hand concept that endorses ones image as a “coffee fundi”; it has to do with the branding of the person’s identity.
The familiar quote, “you are what you eat,” can also be applied to the type of coffee one drinks. For example, an espresso could easily portray a dynamic, powerful and firm individual, whereas a cappuccino could describe a sensitive, la-di-da person with all the time in the world. Greek coffee on the other hand could easily define a risk-taker; after all, who on earth would consider an intimate cup of coffee floating above a mass of sinking sand at the bottom?
Frappe: probably one of the greatest creations to come out of Greece since the invention of the wheel. Almost every continental has inherited this winning formula; a refreshing coffee that requires a single visit to the kitchen (preferably morning), rewarding the individual an endless sipping sensation that lasts throughout the day.
Cyprus has recently witnessed a sudden burst of coffee houses, dotted around the island – blaring out this new wave of coffee culture. In fact, their presence has marked a new era of socialising, as multiple groups of people enjoy their coffees, multi-tasking the art of drinking, conversing and internet surfing.
It’s my personal opinion that this new cultural era refers to an individual fitting a stereotypical profile – a socialite, sprawled across one of the coffee houses’ comfortable sofas, corrugated cup in one hand, mobile or android in the other.
It’s a prerequisite for any individual entering these coffee houses to identify an available spot to engage in the art of coffee culture. Upon entry, one will observe a peacock collection of eyes staring directly at you. This infuriating notion suggests that those before you have earned their spot within the establishment, and your inclusion relies solely on their approval.
As your eyes meet theirs in a duel of emotion, their response can affect the type of coffee ordered. Often is the case when their judgmental observation of my anomalous figure justifies an indiscreet whispering and a jolt of sudden laughter. I respond with a similar gesture; whispering an invented language in my wife’s ear and pretending to laugh at their 'deformity'.
On the rare occasion, one will identify a light-hearted group of genuine people, sporting the trendiest fashion, legs crossed – swinging their feet to the rhythm of the repetitious beat.
Seated comfortably, one normally turns a blind eye to the remnants of the previous visit; a muffled collection of oil-stained papers resting on a tray and the crust of a leftover sandwich with a slight hint of turkey or cheese. Seldom is the case where a coffee cup is left unattended, as one of the main rules command that we leave the ‘house’ with our branded coffee cup in hand. This is the trendsetting essence of the coffee culture scene: walking on the pavement, sipping a heavenly blend of coffee as one dribbles through the oncoming traffic.
I remain forever indebted to the coffee houses across the world, recognising the importance of low-fat products on their menu. I am overwhelmed with their extensive selection as I make my way through the masses and find my seat opposite another stout individual, fulfilling her craving of double fudge chocolate cake. Her elated smile continues to glow as she mingles her own mixture of coffee and cake. Oblivious to the whispering behind her, she perseveres through another slice of her dessert, reinventing her own coffee culture concept.
Weight for me tomorrow. Paul
Paul Lambis is the author of “Where is Home?” – A journey of hilarious contrasts. For more information on Paul Lambis, and to order his book online,
visit www.paul-lambis.com
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