The Diary Game - 28th January

I often spend my mornings and free time in coffee shops, working on writing news with my favorite laptop and discussing various issues with friends from different professions. For Acehnese, drinking coffee is not just a passion but also maintaining a tradition.

I started my morning activities outside the house by drinking coffee. Several friends were already there, sitting at the same table while talking and joking.

I opened my laptop, finishing my unfinished book writing work. There were supposed to be two sources that I had to interview via telephone because they were outside my city, but both of them did not have free time, maybe they were on weekend vacation. The schedule shifted to Friday. That condition made my time more free and relaxed.

One by one, visitors began to come and fill the tables, which was always crowded every morning. Generally, they were regulars who had been drinking coffee there for years. So almost everyone knew each other and greeted each other. There were only one or two newcomers.

The owner is on duty from morning to evening, then replaced by his colleague from afternoon to night. Drinking his coffee concoction can make you want more.

The coffee offered there is robusta made with traditional techniques by filtering the powder with heated water. The filter is lifted high to release the smoke trapped in the coffee.

This is not for the faint of heart, the higher it is lifted, the better the coffee tastes. This is where the barista's skills are tested, in addition to knowing exactly when the powder in the filter needs to be replaced.

The barista has become skilled, he always counts how many cups of coffee he has made, as a measure of replacing the coffee grounds with new ones.

One cup of coffee has been finished, I ordered another one while approaching the kitchen. Then took some photos for this article.

Generally, the coffee offered by stalls is the robusta type that is served by filtering. A small number offer the arabica type that is blended with a coffee machine. Some stalls offer both.

I just moved back in the afternoon. At home, I rested and went out again in the afternoon to visit my cousin in the hospital. Coming home from there, I stopped again to sip a cup of coffee before returning home around dusk.