Interview with Xavi Iglesias: “Living Colombia”

Xavi tells us, at last, his spectacular experience in his last trip, as he had anticipated in social networks

How did the idea of visiting Colombia come about?

X: I had already planned a trip to a coffee producing destination with my partner. As you know, Ethiopia, India, and Colombia are among the most important. Speaking with Salvador Sans, a reference in what quality coffee is concerned, the possibility of Colombia emerged. He helped us design a route of farms, and around Bogotá, which at first was thought for about 17 days, but once there, in love with the place and its people, we decided to extend to 30

And how the adventure continued outside of planning?

X: Well, talking to the people, the Colombians, besides being very helpful, are very committed to the product of their land, it was easy to be guided. Of course, the facebook contacts were very useful at this point of the journey. We reserved the last days for Cartagena, unforgettable.

What impression did the Colombian coffee families leave on you?

X: Definitely the best of the experience. I have greatly enriched the contact with these wonderful people. The well-known Latin American hospitality, the Colombians take it to its maximum expression. Affable and homelike people, that makes you happy being close to you, and that they spread their great passion for what they do.

More passion than the Spanish for a good Coffee?

X: It is totally different, the level at which Colombians get involved with their coffee, is not only felt in the appreciation they have for their land, it is also clearly reflected in their extensive technical training. They take it very seriously.

What have they transmitted to you in the plantations you have visited?

X: It has been very exciting because they have let me participate in all the cultivation processes. I have learned about fertilizing, growth, flowering. I have enjoyed picking with them, then the process of the grain, the toasting, in short, it has been very educational.

How were the tastings?

X: A real pleasure. I had occasion to live a meticulous analysis of their coffee. Colombian coffee farmers know the area very well, the weather, the technology they use for exploitation. They love their product a lot and they work by vocation. And of course, this is also evident in the tastings.

Have you also been seduced with a typical dish?

X: Of course. The gastronomy of the area has conquered me for its simplicity. They produce a lot of what they consume on the farms, the family tables are filled with hot spoon dishes, many vegetables such as “papa” or “yucca”, and several typical birds of the area as well. Not everything is juices, fruit, and drinks as we imagine from the warm areas.

Very good Xavi, to finish, explain to us how you have been transformed by this adventure with the aroma of coffee.

X: It has changed me on a personal level, I have learned a lot from these people. Not only his technique and procedures, although it is true that they are better prepared than us. I want to highlight the human quality of this experience. Their hospitality, their desire to learn. It has been a life lesson for me. I want to express a respect for the passion that Colombians feel for their land and their coffee. And finally gratitude, for teaching me so much from humility and kindness.

I keep the image in my mind, a smile and hands that will always be with me.