A Delightful Encounter

 

Tia Teresa and her coffee artist brother 

Five years ago on the same road to Santiago, I stopped into a small café owned by Tia Teresa and her brother. He is what some might call a character, others might call him "personable." We ended up talking and I took this picture of them outside.

Today I stopped in again and asked the woman behind the counter if she spoke English and she said "no." I asked in Spanish if she had been here five years ago and she answered that she had been here for ten.

Through Google translate she told me that today her brother was at the dentist and that he was still making faces in the coffee but now he has perfected them. I shared with her that I think the one he made for me those years ago is perfect. 

We had a moment that I think is a repeat of so many that I have had with other Spanish proprietors along the way, of the kindness in their hearts showing through for pilgrims. I asked her to let her brother know that I had come by and send my warm regards. She said she would let him know.

I asked for a cup of coffee and she laughed and said she doesn't know how to make a face in the cup. I answered that that's okay.

No face, but the cup of coffee she made me is as good as the cup I remember from last time.

Today is a happy day