It was interesting to see local people drying the coffee on the street. Seeing the small Tiendas (corner stores)- where we stopped to buy water to drink- was very colourful and relaxing.  The beauty of the mountains and country side of Colombia is stunning. We saw so many butterflies, different flowering plants, so much bio diversity- that one can only think that Mother Nature is very happy in this part of the world. The warmth and friendliness of these farmers is unique. Despite the political and social atmosphere in Colombia, when you are in the country side, Mother Nature gives you a sense of peace. I walked up a mountain full of coffee plants and reached an altitude of 2000 meters. I wished I had wings to fly over this breath taking beauty.

The Koreans shared with me a tradition that they have, where-by when on a high mountain, you stand on the border, you fill your lungs with air and then you yell out with all your might and release all your worries. It is supposed to be very healing. So here we were at the top of this mountain- where we all took turns to follow this Korean tradition. After we came down from the mountain- still at a high elevation we went to the house of one of the farmers. They offered us to drink cold Agua de Panela. This house had the most beautiful view I have ever seen. The view was of a valley of different tones and textures of green that would extend beyond to the end of the horizon, touching the blue sky. In this house- lived a little girl named Sara- the same name of my four year old daughter. Sara, was very shy but she finally accepted to sit with me. We had our picture taken. My thought at that moment was, wow- she is as young as my daughter, she is Colombian as I am and she deserves to have everything that life has to offer. Latin Organics needs to work hard to achieve this for these people. Direct Trade- there is no other way.  That is our mission. One product at a time, one relationship at a time, one new customer at a time.

The Kogis live in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta- which is the highest Coastal Mountain range in the world. On this mountain there are four indigenous groups that live there: Kankuamo. Arhuacos, Wiwa and Kogis.  Latin Organics at present is doing business with the Arhuacos and with the Kankuamos. The Kogis are the tribe that have had the least contact with non indigenous people. They believe that we are the Little Brothers and they are the Big Brothers-similar to what the Arhuacos believe. We spoke until 2 am in the morning.  I had difficulty understanding Santos as his Spanish was a bit broken. But with time I was able to understand what he was passing on to me in regards to information.

Santos was sent to meet with Latin Organics by the spiritual leaders or wise men with in their tribe. The Kogis want Latin Organics to buy all their organic coffee. They do not wish to work with anyone else, as they have tried this already in the past. Their goal is to use the funds that they collect from their coffee business to recover all the land that is being occupied by non indigenous people- so that they may keep this Coastal Mountain sacred. The Kogis believe that if the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is kept in the hands of the Arhuacos, Wiwa, Kankuamos and Kogis- our planet Earth can be healed and saved. They believe that the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the Heart of the World.

The Kogis, as do the Arhuacos- believe that the mountains, rocks, water, soil and nature in general are sacred. They pay pagamentos o blessings/rituals to their surroundings. Within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta- the Kogis have been observing   the physical changes that nature is going through such as less snow, less water, drought and the arrival of more diseases with in their community. They attribute this to the Little Brothers (Us) and the way we live. At present, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in some parts is being logged down to make room for a concrete construction to hold water. Talks also exist to build a Gondola to take tourists to the top. All this is an invasion to this sacred territory. While I was listening to all this, I remembered the movie that I had watched during my flight to Colombia, AVATAR. What resemblance. Can this fiction story be happening in Colombia? Yes, I was being informed of this by Santos.  So, what next?  We will have to wait and see. It is certain that Latin Organics alone cannot fix this situation- we can buy all the coffee that they produce but we are going to need for the world to buy Latin Organics organic and direct trade coffee, drink it and enjoy it like no other cup of coffee. Who is up for the challenge? Write to us and let us know how you can help. Latin Organics needs you- together we can change the world!

As a Canadian company arriving to Colombian territory- you continue your trip very focused knowing that you have the power as a company to impact in a positive way the lives of the people that you do business with and this is truly exciting. After a long trip- finally- the first Colombian meal: breakfast the next day. While all the local people were ordering strawberries, fat free milk and corn flakes- I went straight to the Ethnic Buffet. I ate everything I had not had for the last year here in Vancouver. No calorie worries. Living the moment. As the day goes by and my agenda moves forward- I come to the conclusion that people in Colombia are amazing and hardworking. They really deserve better. They try so hard but the support needed from the government or other private entities is sometimes unavailable. We speak with these business people and try to map out a plan. Latin Organics recommended to each of them that they should continue to work hard and keep focused on their goals.

As part of our trip we had planned to travel to the Southern part of Colombia by road- a six hour trip. Due to the pre- presidential elections in Colombia- we were advised by a family member who is a General in Colombia, not to do this trip. We were advised to coordinate the meeting within city limits and at our hotel. So we did this. The farmers came to us. We met in a tropical garden next to the pool- sitting under the shade of native trees. It is always welcoming to meet with them and our friendship ties with every meeting are renewed. A tear of sadness comes to our eyes when we give our goodbyes. We leave with our TO DO list and wish each other a safe return.

This trip to Colombia was successful as we were able to initiate new commercial ties with several entrepreneurs. We had several interviews with different National newspapers where Latin Organics plans and successes were communicated. For the first time ever- on the day that I had to fly back to Vancouver- I had mixed feelings and I really wanted to stay in Colombia. As I know that I can do more for Colombia being abroad through Latin Organics- I took a deep breath and walked in to Air Canada's aircraft, took my seat and kissed Colombia farewell. There is a lot of work to do and believe me we need all the support we can get from Vancouverites, Canadians and the World!

Photo 2: Woven Palma de Iraka to make bucket style handbags with shoulder straps.

These are now being sold at Latin Organics Cafe in Vancouver. We ship your order.

Handcrafted by the Kankuamo and Kogi women from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

Now exclusively at Latin Organics Cafe- we present Mochilas hand made by the Kogi women following anscestral traditions.The Mochilas are used to carry food and other needed items. Most Kogis carry two mochilas at a time. 100% Biodegradable.

The Kankuamo women weave as part of their tradition to express their thoughts on Mother nature. Natural dyes are used.These products are eco friendly and bio degradable. Unique in design.

Latin Organics supports Unique traditions- traditions that are the back bone of civilization. They need to be protected and passed on to new generations.

Kankuamo tribe that lives in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in the area of Atanquez,Cesar from where Latin Organics CEO's ancestors once lived.

Latin Organics coffee grounds will be donated to the new Rice Block Community Garden located in Strathcona. Latin Organics is proud to participate in this new community garden organized by the Atira Women's Resources Society. The planting will begin on March 30, 2010. The organic coffee grounds will be coming from every cup of coffee sold at Latin Organics flagship café. Latin Organics is confident that the organic status of our certified organic Colombian Arabica and shade grown coffee beans will contribute in a positive way to this upcoming community garden. It is amazing how Latin Organics Colombian grown coffee - once ground- will work together with Canadian soil to produce amazing plants and bring much more benefits to this community. It is in us to give back to Mother Nature and to our Community.

How would Vancouver seem during the winter season-with out coffee shops and with no snow? Do re-think what you are purchasing. Aim for Organic certified and Direct trade coffee.