Binational Flavors

Binational Flavors

It’s a quiet afternoon; outside, the weather seems to be completely crazy. One moment it’s sunny, and the next, without warning, a downpour hits. This is a situation I don’t quite understand, but the reality is that it’s not a good time to leave the house; that’s why I put some water on to boil and sat down to enjoy a nice cup of Nescafé.

As is customary around here, I decided to pair this delicious drink with a tasty snack, and what better option than to try a new cookie I found on my last trip to the supermarket? It’s an onion-flavored soda cracker; perhaps it’s a slightly eccentric combination, but to tell the truth, it’s a very Venezuelan flavor.

As you may have already noticed, we’re blending flavors from sister cultures; on one hand, the coffee comes from Colombia, while the cookie is a brand-new creation from right here in Venezuela. That’s really who we are—sister nations that enjoy the best of each other; obviously, we have our differences, but like in any family, we always have to find that balance that allows us to coexist with respect and solidarity.

These days, when the weather is so unpredictable, there’s no better plan than enjoying a cup of homemade coffee. Also, I should mention that this time I didn’t use regular sugar; instead, I opted for a packet of stevia, a natural sweetener that’s beneficial to include in our daily diet, since it lets us enjoy the flavor while taking care of our bodies.

This afternoon’s coffee was particularly delicious, but it also helped me regain my energy, relieved my anxiety, and made the end of the day especially enjoyable. I’ll never tire of saying that there’s no drink more complex and complete than coffee, since it could easily be considered a magical elixir capable of enriching our very existence.