Hello lovelies!
About 2 weeks ago I was lucky enough to take my first vacation. There is a community not too far from what we have here on SG for specialty coffee called the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) , this community means so much to me. It is full of learning and growing and meeting people and talking to some of the Baristas and coffee professionals I completely look up to. I was surprised by my wonderful Partner with a trip to the SCAA expo and World Barista Competition, this was the first time is was ever in the US, and some time in my dream cities, Seattle and Portland. If you know me Coffee is my life, it takes up most of what I do and talk about (total nerd I know) and I pride myself on being really involved in the coffee community, I am always going to the events and competitions, but this year work has made me a very busy lady and hasn't allowed me to go to any of the competitions this year (regionals and US). But, I did it I saved all my money I could, took the time off MONTHS in advance and with the help of my partner it happened. I was unbelievably perfect. Between reuniting with my beloved fellow baristas and coffee peeps, all the parties, all the competitions (US won 2nd!!) the latte art throw downs, the classes and getting to play with all the machines AND newly released awesome machines and scales and grinders <3_____<3 I'm a sucker for brand new toys to make delicious coffee on!! Along with that I had the chance to adventure around Seattle and totally fell in love with it. The weather was gorgeous, a nice little break from the ridiculous Arizona heat, had some amazing food and cocktails and went to Pike's Place Market!! I wish I could have had more time there. I'm so thankful for being able to have this experience. Traveling has always been a dream of mine and I'm finally doing it!
I got to stay at an awesome hotel and go to my first legal dispensary as well, cannabis being legal was so awesome.
My first day at the expo was so overwhelming in the best was possible! These are 2 of my favorite machines I got to play with #1: Slayer Espresso single group that actually won an award for best new product! and #2: The newest La Marzocco machine called the Linea Mini, also picture my new favorite espresso scale the Acaia Lunar which it completely steam, water and espresso resistant AND the most accurate scale I've ever used!!!!
My BFF Chrome Kenny
This is ChromeKenny he's one of my favorite coffee roasters, Chromatic Coffee, mascot! I made him look stoney because he likes weed coffee ;P
On my last day in Seattle I went to a coffee shop I've been dreaming of going to for 2 years called Slate and got super coffee wasted and then went to Pike's Place which was magical. I would spend all of my time there.
This is what happens when I visit a coffee shop....
Then I was on my way to Portland. Anyone who knows me know that Portland is my dream city. It's perfect, the weather, scenery, size, and oh my goodness the coffee. I definitely wish I had more time there but I appreciated and took in the time I did have there. We went to a ton of coffee shops and awesome restaurants, but, what I took most from there I the hike we went on. I love to spend all of my time in the woods and hiking and outdoors and moving to Arizona I haven't done it much and its been very hard on me. We took an entire day to spend hiking it was so magical. We did about 6 miles total from Multnomah Falls to Triple Falls it poured rain half the time and totally kicked my butt, but I loved every single minute of it.
One of my favorite things about Portland. Embrace the weird!!
Coava is one of the first places that made me fall in love with coffee and a dream come true to visit it finally.
Filling up my canteen with spring water from the falls <3_____<3
Happiest lady.
I could talk about all of this forever!!
Tell me about an awesome trip you've had and passions you have! I would love to hear it!
