Mexican Café

Mexicans are big into coffee. I think they’re even more into coffee than Seattleites, which I suppose is a large claim. Wikipedia states that folks in this coastal port have “a reputation for heavy coffee consumption.” Yet I believe, those in Mexico are on par, cups per day. Sure, the coffee blend is a bit different. People in Seattle are into their coffee—you know, a grande, soy, white mocha with no foam type thing. On the contrary, most Mexicans will drink whatever’s served up—and usually it’s instant. The whole concept of coffee is different, especially where and how it’s drunk. I know it’s the big thing to sit around in a Starbucks with your friends—but it’s just as common to go it alone in the drive-thru, throwing down 4 bucks to ease your single occupant commute home. This is essentially unheard of in Mexico.

Two quick stories: One, the idea of coffee with friends (or foes) in Mexico goes way back. I’m currently reading “A Short History of Mexico” by J. Patrick McHenry, where he starts off chapter 7 by stating: “In times of trouble Mexican cafés become public forums, where political differences can be thrashed out for merely the price of a coffee.” When a certain uprising occurred, the “cafés overflowed.” And by the end of the first paragraph, the opposing sides had their answer. What is it about meeting for coffee that eases tensions, versus something more formal that often does just the opposite? The coffee consumers seem inclined to put down their guard, opening up to new possibilities.

Story number two: Bernardo González, who’s currently acing the Bible class I teach, told me the following. “I’ve had more deep conversations while drinking coffee than I’ve ever had at church.” By “deep” he meant discussions about spirituality, the Bible, sin, redemption, Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the Great Commission.

The next time I invite someone to church for the first time, it will certainly be after a few cups of café.

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 22nd, 2008 at 9:59 am and is filed under Culture. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.