I've been here in Guatemala now for a month. I'm now doing all the roasting orders for Mike with the exception of a few special ones he directs, but still involves me in. I've visited several farms and learned about green coffee selection and what to look for.
My next big task is taking my own farm trip. I'm planning on spending a week in Antigua visiting friends and checking out a few farms. There is also a possibility that I'll make a trip up to Hue Hue Tenango, though I'm not sure about that yet. I'm excited/nervous about doing this myself. It will be interesting for me to see how things go. I'm really excited about being able to offer a coffee on my list where I have met the farmer.
I'm also making plans for when I return state side. I've picked out my city and am now looking at rent prices and things like that. Fortunately my brother lives there and can look at things and take some pictures for me. The current plan is to start out just roasting as this will be a much lower start up cost and will have the opportunity to spend time getting clients while not being tied down in a cafe setting. So when I get started, you guys feel free to place some orders or come visit me in . . . well I'm not saying yet (call me paranoid). Peace.