FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (23mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO400)

Usually to drink a coffee means a quick break. No matter if I’m at home, in the office or away. I drink Espresso and even Starbucks manages to serve that within a minute.

But this time was different. I was in Seoul, South Korea and thought I give one of those hip coffee shops a try. They offer all types of preparation for coffee like french press, drip coffee and more. I went with the most photogenic one. My barista wore a strange hat, had a lovely smile and obviously a lot of fun with her colleague. And most of all she had time.

FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (23mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO400)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (23mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO400)
FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (23mm, f/4, 1/60 sec, ISO1000)

A lot of time. I considered for a moment to get an espresso from the Starbucks next door while I wait for my coffee but of course I stayed and took some images instead. She put a lot of attention into her work and it’s something you can taste.

In Korea or in Japan you can even get a very good espresso at Starbucks. Try that in the US! The espresso you get there in most places is a sin and they should be punished or sued. I don’t think the coffee beans are to blame. They are most likely the same in all Starbucks locations. I think the problem is that the baristi in the USA want to be actors,  professional surfers or rock stars or simply anything but a barista. They put no proud in their work. No wonder most people in the USA drink Caramel Cinnamon Frappuccinos with chocolate chips and vanilla ice. The normal espresso is disgusting and even the cappuccino is hard to get down.

But back to my young barista here. When my coffee finally was ready it was just great. Strong, black and powerful. Just the right thing when the jet lag sets in after lunch.

FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (23mm, f/4, 1/60 sec, ISO1000)