Califonia

It is uncanny how much the Stanford campus reminds me of the University of the Western Cape. It is the blue gum trees.

Today, I realized that it is time to move ahead and to leave broken dreams to melt and to be recast. New adventures beckon.

A sanctuary. a monastery, a moment's heart beat.

The one where I am almost back on Kloof Street

As the aircraft prepares for landing, I can feel the anticipation rising. Although I am sure that Kloof Street will still be there (duh!), I am excited to see what has changed. I am not a Kloof Street resident any longer, but I will notice EVERYTHING! The sad news is that my beloved cell phone camera died during my embarrassing bicycle crash two weeks ago. The camera on the smart camera, inherited from The Abraham, is permanently set to add a sepia-esque hue to everything.

Estimated date of arrival: 4 Ocotber 2010. (But first London, back to Uppsala, a ride on the Gautrain... )

[Attached please find a recent photo]

Not quite Kloof Street (Part I)

I love Uppsala. There I said it!

In the mornings I have an inspirational walk past the majestic cathedral, University buildings, castle and botanical gardens to work (all covered in sparkling snow). My one complaint: I cannot seem to adapt to the coffee... Is it me? Probably. Is it possible for me to adapt? Unlikely.

My approach to the problem was two-fold:

1. Find good prepared coffee (i.e. I do not make it myself)

2. Find good beans (i.e. I prepare the coffee myself)

How fortunate that I am at the moment living one block from Ofvandahls, an Uppsala institution. The espresso had adequate crema and with a surprisingly acceptable aftertaste. And at SEK23 for a double espresso, this could be come my new morning coffee :-)

Beans, well, I asked/pleaded with Braamie to bring some from Origin Coffee Roasting in Cape Town (perhaps even Africa's Cup of Gold!). The attendant at the local Böner & Blad recommended I try El Salvador Bourbon Estate. My first pot resulted in mixed feelings - but to be honest I prepared it too weak...

More coffee hunting will follow...