The Great NESCAFE Controversy of 2012

Ahhh, Coffee. It is..... heaven. It is my Black Gold.

What can I say? I am an addict! Ever since my first trip to Italy, over seven years ago, I have loved the stuff! Craved it, actually!

And over the years, I have become what one might refer to as a COFFEE SNOB. Sure, American style brewed coffee will do in a pinch, but I love that rich, perfect, espresso mixed with warm whole milk and a bit of sugar. Throw in a kiss of chocolate, and you have the perfect drink, I say.

I have, for years turned my nose up at less superior quality, like The Devil's Starbucks (belch!) and choose only to frequent shops with a local, caring, and very specific approach to the worlds perfect drink. (Most notably Aroma Di Roma in my hometown of Long Beach, CA and Bird Rock Coffee Roasters of LaJolla, CA.)

I like the quiet morning, sitting with a hot cuppa, reading, checking email, and sipping slowly, savoring the deliciousness of each taste. It's comforting. It's my favorite part of the day.

In other words, Don't Fuck with My Cuppa, Yo!

So, it has been of GREAT surprise, not only to myself, but to those that know me well, that my latest obsession with the Black Gold actually comes from (gulp) Nescafe.

Again (gulp) NESCAFE?!?!

Seriously?

Yes. Seriously.

Whilst on the road, and staying in remote places, I have found it a bit challenging to indulge in my beverage of choice. I don't need a LOT of coffee, I just like one cup in the morning. It is totally a ritual thing.

But I can't bring a coffee pot everywhere. And a good espresso is often difficult to find in some parts of the world.

And that is how I discovered Nescafe 3 in 1.

After ordering a coffee in Turkey, and instead being presented with a glass of hot water and a tiny packet of Nescafe 3 in 1, I rolled my eyes and considered sending it back. But I was DESPERATE at this point, and I figured that bad coffee is better than NO coffee.

Strangely enough, I actually enjoyed it and even ordered another. Slowly, over our time in Turkey, Vin and I ordered coffee, and were SECRETLY HOPING we would be served Nescafe instead. (gasp!)

It all came to a head when one morning, I looked at Vin and said, "is it TOTALLY wrong that I want a 3 in 1 and NOT an espresso this morning?"

Oh, the humanity!

We finally gave in to our latest obsession and started buying and traveling with these little packs of 3 in 1.

Actually, it makes a lot of sense, really. The packs are small, about the size of a sugar packet, which means they fit in your purse or pocket for emergencies. They have the perfect pre-mixed amount of coffee-to-milk-to-sugar ratio for just about anyone. You dump one in a cup of hot water, and you are all set. BUT, if you DON'T have hot water, you can dump a couple of packs into a water bottle with cold water, and it tastes like an iced coffee!

So the question becomes..... does this mean I am giving up "real" coffee?

The answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT! However, Nescafe makes a great product. It is simple, convent, and it is perfect for a travelers lifestyle. Therefore, I don't think I will travel anywhere again without a couple packs of 3 in 1 nestled in my purse.

Who knew this stupid little packet would bring so much joy to a couple of world travelers needing a caffeine fix. Who. Fucking. Knew.