Panama is my Disneyland
A trip to Boquete, in Panama is one I'll never forget. It was Disneyland for an aspiring coffee professional like myself!
Planning to attend a fermentation workshop, hosted by Lucia, me and my partner, Mike decided to visit Panama as it was on the way anyways.
Prior to coming, one of the connections I have in Kona, Pepe, connected me to his brother Jorge, to welcome me in Boquete. Just before flying, I was warned that rallies towards the government have been on going.
1 day in the city, as we went around Casco Viejo, explored some coffee shops around.
Yes indeed, Geishas are on the menu, and a trip to the Panama Canal. On that one day stay, we saw people gathering by the President's house. The next morning, an after before we let for the airport, the roads were then blocked!
We arrived at Boquete, and Jorge greeted us. I was linked to Pepe's cousin, Manuel as he hosts an airbnb very close by the town, where so many great cafes and food places are around.
Jorge basically gave us his day to take us around the area. We were able to enter this place where The Best of Panama is hosted. We got to meet Panchy, one of the region's producers, and I was able to have a good conversation on his strategy for selling coffee. Selling coffee cherries to Katowa, one of the most common cafes around is one of em. Worth more of his time and money.
Next stop, we went to La Finca Esmeralda. While I was doing my research on best farms in the area, this company appeared in one of the blogs I've been reading. I learned that they don't do tours. And so, I was so excited when I saw a sign on where we were heading to next!
We drove to one of their properties to visit Poncho, the farm manager and the one who discovered the Geisha Variety! To actually meet the person who was a part of why Panama is very much known for specialty was an absolute honor. We stopped by their house, and together with his wife, Mitilda, they greeted us with so much hospitality. Jorge was joking about maybe brewing us some coffee. We ended up staying for a sandwich and a coffee that they themselves fire roasted, and brewed by a sock filter. We talked story while Jorge kindly translated from Spanish to English.
That afternoon, Jorge and his son, showed us around the province and we had really good dinner by the mountain.
Staying in Boquete was quite a strategy so that we can visit other regions around it. However, with the strike, we were afraid that we wouldn't be able to get back to our place, and so we stayed around the area
Going around the province was really lovely. However, with this region being known for specialty coffee, I knew I had to get into one of the farm tours. The next day, we went to Finca Lerida a 50 hectare farm. There are many specialty coffee farms to choose from. I'd say that this farm has exceeded my expectations. Our tour guide, Caesar was very much knowledgable about the farm, being part of the team for more than 10 years! We had a tour around, cupped coffee. was given some natural cascara to take away, and a coffee & cake at the end. With so much I've learned in that first part of the day, I'd say I was very much content already!
Going back from the farm to town, we stopped by in coffee shops too. Both cafe Ruiz and Berlina Estate served good coffee, but the conversation I had with two Baristas, Marvin and Eric, from Berlina Estate Coffee gave me a really good insight. Learning that the locals of this region, love, serve and know the value of their own coffee is a refreshing encounter.
The next day, the strikes have gotten worse, to the point that gas stations have been ordered to close. We rented a car, but it was of no use because we couldn't go around.
As we stayed by the town, me and Mike went around. One more reason why I love Boquete so much is because of the local chocolate stores. Can you imagine? A province that have shops that serves bonbons or truffles? A 3 minute walk from home to get truffles. The Perfect Pair and Katowa chocolate was such a convenient grab and go for us. I just couldn't resist. These were of really high quality too! The freaking hot chocolate was to die for. I had to take 2 packs with me.
I am a very simple human whose eyes light up with great coffee, chocolate and a comforting hospitality experience. I’m really grateful for those people I’ve connected with in this experience. Definitely a memorable one because of such encounters. I'd say Boquete is my happy place. It's my Disneyland. I'll be back!
*We left early at 7am for our flight to Medellin, before roads got blocked.
