I'll remember the kindness of others with every sip.... (posting from the road)

Mornings in the clinic seemed to be drag...I would look out the window of the school/pharmacy at the field of coffee beans, annoyed at the irony of no access to a Grande Americano but yet surrounded with potentially satisfying coffee beans.

I even went so far as to verbalize my daydream...a group of fatigued volunteer workers are sitting around a makeshift clinic...unsure as to how they can go on when they are this tired...and then, out of the fog...bouncing along the rocky roads surrounded by fields of coffee beans...a pickup truck full or Starbucks workers, clad in their green aprons, would arrive with a tray full of delicious, caffeinated beverages. I think it would make a great commercial. I waited and waited, but alas...yet another dream unfulfilled. I somehow made it through that morning, and many since, without access to a Starbucks (or similar type coffee shop). We did have coffee every morning but I am afraid that my time in Seattle has ruined me...I have become a coffee snob (still will gulp down a Tim's double double however) and need my Americanos. Our final day of isolation in the Guatemalan hills was complicated by faulty buses resulting in a delayed departure which necessitated a lunch stop in, Conception, a suburb of Guatemala City. So as our replacement bus wheeled into the parking lot of Pollo Campero (Central American KFC) I was shocked to hear Joe call out "hey there's a Starbucks". There is no Starbucks in Guatemala - believe me I checked. Assuming that Joe was mistaken, I peaked around the corner...just in case.

Like a thirsty man in the desert - an oasis stood before me. The familiar green umbrellas and distinctive font drew me closer as I darted down the block for the door. I was surprised by the two Starbucks employees outside of the store, greeters I figured, as I politely tried to elbow them aside for a chance at a delicious sip. Turns out they were evil dream stealing 'gatekeepers'. The Starbucks in front of me, directly in front of me, the first in Guatemala, opens tomorrow! Not today, tomorrow! I was almost speechless and stood there slack-jawed at the gatekeepers politely tried to turn me away. I even explained that I was from Seattle - this impressed them enough to call some of their coworkers to meet me but not enough to let me in the doors or sell me a mug or beverage.

Dejected I returned to Pollo Campero and to the back of the line which had apparently not budged in my absence. I am so close - I cannot give up! I have amassed a very impressive collection of Starbucks mugs from around the world, if I can't get a drink at least let me get the mug. I really, really, really WANT that mug! And if I have learnt one thing it's that with enough money, you can buy anything. So I ran back down to the store, in the searing heat, as a cynical capitalist and explained to the "gatekeepers" that I really wanted that mug. I offered to give them 3x the value of the mug - they could take the cash now and ring up the mug later - leaving them to do what you want with the extra funds. The gatekeeper (who really was very sweet) went inside with the money to try and locate a manager and explain the predicament of the ranting, panting reddened tourist outside, thus leaving me to man the door. I must say, with my limited Spanish, I did a very good job...I explained to all the fellow caffeine seekers who tried to enter, that the store was open the next day and encouraged everyone to return - I even explained in broken Spanish that reservations were not necessary.

The manager, with a stern look on his face, soon appeared and as he looked down on me with his hands clasped behind his back - I knew the answer was 'no'. He glazed at me a little puzzled and enquired as to if I was the girl desperate for a mug. I stated my case; (he spoke perfect English) that I collect mugs from Starbucks all over the world and that I didn't even think that there was a Starbucks in Guatemala and that I had been daydreaming about them for weeks and that I was from Seattle and...how I would pay whatever he asked and...let's just say I went on and on. The manager's face broke into a huge grin as he pulled from behind his back a mug for me! The sweet gatekeeper who had been so helpful returned the cash. They stated that this was the first mug for the country and that it was only fitting to go to someone who wanted it so badly and was an avid collector from Seattle. It was something small for them to do but it made my day and cemented my loyalty. I was impressed with the kindness of the folks at the Starbucks and embarrassed at my cynical attitude.

The manager told me that they have a Facebook Page - I am encouraging all of you to "like" them, they certainly have earned it. Thank you in advance.