i really really wanted to get my self trained as barista and was in real need of it as i finalised a shop for starting a coffee and ice cream shop, but for whatever reasons it just couldn't happen.becoming part of Barista Exchange, taking part in discussion etc. is different and taking practical training(which is all the way much more important)is different. going through articals and learning through others' experience does matter and whatever i know of coffee (even word 'barista')is due to you all and Matt in particular who introduced me to this site and you all.'thanks to you all'. it seems that this coffee world is predominently led by devloped contries and devloped economies. i mean it, and for that i am reprodcing the letter which i wrote to Matt long back(Matt,i am really sorry if this hurt you in any way.but the point is how the global scenario is affecting the community must be understood by all so that we all can help our community in a better way).

""after waiting a lot for response from ABC-China and Ms.Anupama i am writing it to you.
firstly as here in India an average worker's monthly salary is Rs.5000 (appx.$105)and may be it is $4000 in States.here Coffee Day,Barista and like charges Rs40/cup ($.83 or 125th part of salary) ,while it will be $5 /cup(i guess) of cappuccino in States .so for an average citizen it is definitely a luxury.excepting suthern part of the country it is tea (and not coffee) , taken as first drink costing Rs.3 to Rs.7(almost 1000th part of salary).under these circumstances earning in Rs and spending in $ is nothing less than a super luxury and same is the case when i think of attending ABC under you.thanks to you for having introduced me to the world of coffee and barista by suggesting me baristaexchange.com.
secondly i came in your contact after finalisig a shop to start  coffee and ice cream bar from mid of march 2010.after having worked as successful sales representative and medical representative for more than 15 yrs ,i tried hands in distributership (cheated and made failior)also.it was my sheer passion for tea ,coffee and people that i decided to make and serve coffee .
having gone through so many discussion (and more) and a very recent discussion regarding barista training--on job or through barista school  i am of firm opinion that one just can't justify his job or a shop for most part of his/her life if not undergoing a proper training.it is more true for a person like me who never handled espresso machine and heared of  coffee grinders.
now only possibility remains for my barista training is, if you help me managing some earn while you learn system (i don't want free traing) at earliest as i can't bear the rent for a vacant shop for a longer period.
looking forward for your reply .
thanking you.
mayank surana  ""
 anyway i am not disheartend and surely  going to do this training oneday but for now priority is earning first.