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China Tour March 2009

Coffee

OK, so coffee isn't your hottest dancing topic, but it's still close to the heart of many dancers. Known as the "Elixir of Life" (yes, I do LOVE coffee) it's a daily ritual in my life, and my coffee experience in Beijing made the current financial crisis pale to insignificance.

Warning: The following story has strong graphic images and content that may upset some readers!*

Coffee comes in little packets that are adequately labelled to ensure the consumer knows it's not real coffee, but one could be forgiven for thinking it's what we know as Instant Coffee.

I know I shouldn't have gone near the stuff, but I was desperate - it was one of these tricky survival situations. I weakened and opened the packet (I should get a medal for this).

After some hesitation I poured the content into a glass (I figured Latte style would provide better visibility of the brew to help me determine if it is safe to consume). Sure, this looks like coffee!?!?

Maybe if you add water...?

It's not looking good, the smell isn't much better. Closer inspection of the packet reveals the following inscription:"1+2. Complete coffee" Analysis of the content shows traces of coffee, coffee whitener and plenty of sugar - yummy!

I bring the glass closer to my lips, fear drives a sweat bead down my forehead... The moment has come, and with one swift motion, I ... tip it down the toilet, hoping I won't get arrested for water contamination.

Home!

Chris Gruber

*Hey - it's a joke! No persons or animals were harmed in the process, and we did manage to find real coffee in China :-)