About 76 coffee beans

Coffee!I got another chance! My first coffee plant provided me with a few beans, but not even close enough for making a cup of coffee. My second plant was even worse with only a single bean. Both plants died soon after the first harvest. After these two plants I kept trying, buying a few small plants every few years, and trying to keep them happy. Usually the plants would not last more than a couple of months.

Now, almost 15 years later things seem to have changed. Maybe it is the small drop in temprature, maybe it is the minor increase in precipitation (a bit more rain). Maybe it is something I dont even realise that I stumbled apon by pure luck. I dont know for sure, but what I do know is that my current coffee plant is thriving. It is still without flowers, but I feel confident enough to already start the research. I need 76 coffee beans for a single cup of coffee.

  1. Harvesting – Pick ripe coffee cherries when they turn red.
  2. Pulping – Remove the outer fruit to extract the beans.
  3. Fermenting – Soak the beans in water for 2-3 days to remove the mucilage layer. I will use my shrimp farm for some extra clean beans
  4. Drying – Let the beans dry in the sun until they harden.
  5. Hulling – Remove the parchment layer to reveal the green coffee beans.
  6. Roasting – Roast the beans in a pan until they reach your desired level.
  7. Grinding – Grind the roasted beans to your preferred consistency.
  8. Brewing – Use your favorite brewing method to make coffee

ARC

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), is a sailing event that begins in Las Palmas and crosses the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean, typically ending in Saint Lucia. It has been held annually since 1986 and attracts sailors from all over the world. The event is not just a race but also a social and adventurous experience, with over 200 boats and 1200 participants joining each year. Participants range from families and cruising couples to competitive racers, all sharing the excitement of crossing the Atlantic.

Subject: Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC)
Port: Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, El Muelle Deportivo
Coordinates: 28.126773, -15.427434
Date: End of November

The ARC Ships set sail in Las Palmas and cross the Atlantic ocean on their way to the Caribbean and it all starts right at our doorstep. A big event which comprises lots of small and personal events. I was immediately intrigued by the messages left by sailors on the verge of altering their mind, and embracing a drastic change for their futures. Small pieces of art left on the rocks of the harbor of Las Palmas, which directly invite you to wonder. Some came prepared and left their mark with precision and an eye for detail. Some left their rushed markings in the spur of the moment.

Even when we cannot possibly know what became of all those adventurers, we can be sure that minds were opened. People grew, and valuable lessons were learned.

I enjoy taking photos, but unfortunately, I don’t have much time for it. Still, I managed to capture quite a few shots in the nearby marina. It has become a tradition for the boats participating in the ARC to leave a message behind. These messages are painted on the rocks of the marina. Some disappear quickly due to a combination of salt, wind, and water. It’s a real shame because they are not just simple drawings or names. They mark a moment in someone’s personal history, someone on the verge of a life-changing adventure. A journey of weeks that may coincide with a significant shift in lifestyle. I can only admire that.

April ’25

Alan finished his first official football competition. His team reached the forth place, out of eight. Very good for his first time. We are all very proud.

This month we also celebrated ‘Semana Santa’, a two day holiday everywhere in Spain. Miguel visited us! Alex’ godfather and Alans pan-godfather. The entire family always enjoys the visits from Miguel and during each visit we try and do something new. I think Alan had the most enjoyment this time. Miguel took the kids to an Argentinian restaurant with a Michelin mention. Alan was extatic for days about the food he ate, and I was told in detail all the plates they ate, and all the things that happened during dinner. A lasting impression for sure. Alex was also very satisfied, but it was not his first culinary adventure, so for him it was less impressive.

Doubler

For my last post about vitamin C I did some research just to be sure I wasn’t giving any incorrect or unhealthy advice. However, I realized that I was taking a relatively low dose! I was taking a dose much higher than the recommended dosage but it was still much less than the safe maximum. This month I started with a new double dose. 2 Grams a day. As of now I notice very little effect. I had a cold this month, so it did not help in avoiding this. I do notice that sometimes I see things clearer. More clarify then I look around, but also more clarity in my thoughts. All this is hard to prove, and I suspect a lot of this is simply my imagination. I’m going to keep up with my new dosage, to see if something happens.

In the middle

Inter Colonia B!Not bad at all! Alan’s first football tournament has finished, and they ended up right in the middle. His team has secured fourth place! Super good! Alan turned out to be one of the top scorers on his team, and we’re naturally very thrilled for him.

Results Statistics
Ranking Team Points Won Tied Lost
1 Muelle Grande 37 12 1 1
2 Las Coloradas 36 12 0 2
3 Guiniguada B 30 10 0 4
4 Inter Colonia B 18 6 0 8
5 Alcotan Canarias 17 5 2 7
6 Pedro Hidalgo 15 5 0 9
7 Victoria C 9 3 0 11
8 Atletico Isleta B 4 1 1 12

Last game: Inter Colonia – Las Coloradas

Inter Colonia!Las Coloradas!The last match of the tournament! It would be very nice to finish with a win. It is a home game, so we have an advantage.

Ai, the first half started not so good, with three goals by the other team. The second half was even worse with at least four six more goals. I even lost count.

26 apr Inter Colonia B 0 – 9 Las Coloradas
Complete list all results
26 apr Inter Colonia B 0 – 9 Las Coloradas
11 apr Guiniguada B 3 – 2 Inter Colonia B
4 apr Pedro Hidalgo B 1 – 0 Inter Colonia B
29 mar Inter Colonia B 7 – 2 Victoria C
22 mar Alcotan Canarias 5 – 2 Inter Colonia B
15 mar Inter Colonia B 7 – 0 Atletico Isleta B
8 mar Muelle Grande 8 – 3 Inter Colonia B
1 mar Las Coloradas 10 – 3 Inter Colonia B
22 feb Inter Colonia B 4 – 5 Guiniguada B
15 feb Inter Colonia B 5 – 4 Pedro Hidalgo B
8 feb Victoria C 6 – 8 Inter Colonia B
1 feb Inter Colonia B 2 – 1 Alcotan Canarias
25 jan Atletico Isleta B 4 – 7 Inter Colonia B
18 jan Inter Colonia B 2 – 4 Muelle Grande

Inter Colonia B!

Guiniguada B – Inter Colonia B

Guiniguada B!Inter Colonia!Another game that is played on a Friday. A bit earlier this time, so I won’t be able to make it. It will be a difficult game, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Alan did not play, he did not feel good, so he stayed home and was reading his new hamster book in the evening. Sadly his team lost but it was a close call.

11 apr Guiniguada B 3 – 2 Inter Colonia B

Only one more game to play, next week.

26 apr 09:00 Inter Colonia B Las Coloradas
Complete list of results
11 apr Guiniguada B 3 – 2 Inter Colonia B
4 apr Pedro Hidalgo B 1 – 0 Inter Colonia B
29 mar Inter Colonia B 7 – 2 Victoria C
22 mar Alcotan Canarias 5 – 2 Inter Colonia B
15 mar Inter Colonia B 7 – 0 Atletico Isleta B
8 mar Muelle Grande 8 – 3 Inter Colonia B
1 mar Las Coloradas 10 – 3 Inter Colonia B
22 feb Inter Colonia B 4 – 5 Guiniguada B
15 feb Inter Colonia B 5 – 4 Pedro Hidalgo B
8 feb Victoria C 6 – 8 Inter Colonia B
1 feb Inter Colonia B 2 – 1 Alcotan Canarias
25 jan Atletico Isleta B 4 – 7 Inter Colonia B
18 jan Inter Colonia B 2 – 4 Muelle Grande

Inter Colonia B

Pedro Hidalgo B – Inter Colonia B

Pedro Hidalgo B!Inter Colonia!This game is played on Friday, in the evening. All the previous matches were played on Saturday, and in the morning, so we will see what affect this new planning has.

A very exiting match. Both teams were playing on a vey similar level. A lot of near goals, and sadly the only goal that entered the net was from the other team.

4 apr Pedro Hidalgo B 1 – 0 Inter Colonia B

To complete the pool we still have two matches to play. There are 8 teams, so in total there will be 14 matches. Each combination will play a game at home and visiting the other team. Right now Inter Colonia is fourth on the ranking. There are options to reach third spot. We’ll see.

11 apr 18:00 Guiniguada Inter Colonia B
26 apr 09:00 Inter Colonia B Las Coloradas
Complete list of results
4 apr Pedro Hidalgo B 1 – 0 Inter Colonia B
29 mar Inter Colonia B 7 – 2 Victoria C
22 mar Alcotan Canarias 5 – 2 Inter Colonia B
15 mar Inter Colonia B 7 – 0 Atletico Isleta B
8 mar Muelle Grande 8 – 3 Inter Colonia B
1 mar Las Coloradas 10 – 3 Inter Colonia B
22 feb Inter Colonia B 4 – 5 Guiniguada B
15 feb Inter Colonia B 5 – 4 Pedro Hidalgo B
8 feb Victoria C 6 – 8 Inter Colonia B
1 feb Inter Colonia B 2 – 1 Alcotan Canarias
25 jan Atletico Isleta B 4 – 7 Inter Colonia B
18 jan Inter Colonia B 2 – 4 Muelle Grande

Inter Colonia together with Pedro Hidalgo!

March ’25

Pelucita!We have a new housemate! A hamster named ‘Pelucita.’ It’s a Russian hamster, but fortunately not imported. Our hamster was born on Spanish soil. We built her cage ourselves—a nice spacious cage with plenty of toys, a hamster house, a running wheel, and her food and water. I think our hamster is very content; during the day she’s calm and plays cheerfully with the kids, and in the evening she goes completely wild and seems to be running a 10 kilometer marathon in her wheel.

Carnival! A celebration on the island. A few family members from Madrid came to visit, which resulted in two weeks of fun outings, but unfortunately also some extra pounds gained. Luckily, with some extra running sessions, I managed to lose those extra pounds again.

Inter Colonia B – Victoria C

Inter Colonia!Victoria C!A home match against Victoria. The previous match against this opponent resulted in a win, although it was a pretty close call. Still, it make a new victory pretty likely.

Three point gained! A nice match with plenty of goals.

29 mar Inter Colonia B 7 – 2 Victoria C
Complete list of results
22 mar Alcotan Canarias 5 – 2 Inter Colonia B
15 mar Inter Colonia B 7 – 0 Atletico Isleta B
8 mar Muelle Grande 8 – 3 Inter Colonia B
1 mar Las Coloradas 10 – 3 Inter Colonia B
22 feb Inter Colonia B 4 – 5 Guiniguada B
15 feb Inter Colonia B 5 – 4 Pedro Hidalgo B
8 feb Victoria C 6 – 8 Inter Colonia B
1 feb Inter Colonia B 2 – 1 Alcotan Canarias
25 jan Atletico Isleta B 4 – 7 Inter Colonia B
18 jan Inter Colonia B 2 – 4 Muelle Grande

Inter Colonia B