Today we visited the Doka Coffee Plantation in Alajuela. It was so cool to see the coffee plants and the factory. My expectation going into this visit was an elaborate factory with a bunch of machines and workers being out to work constantly. Immediately I realized that I was wrong. In the beginning of our tour, the guide showed us the coffee plants from the seed all the way up to when it produced coffee beans itself. Then, we walked to the factory where I was then again wrong about my expectations. The factory machines were very old and had been used for many many years. They don’t ever replace the machines, they only repair them if something goes wrong. Also, only a few people work in the factory during the four month season.

Coming to Costa Rica, I was very excited to try the coffee. For the passed few years, I have become slightly addicted to not only the taste of coffee, but also making it. It was very exciting today to see where my Nespresso pod comes from. As soon as we arrived the plantation, we were immediately given a small cup of iced coffee. It was delicious. I also really liked that in every room and building we went into, there was a table where you could make yourself some coffee. I can’t wait to continue trying different blends and makes of coffee.