Coffee Rocks!

Taking a Sunday morning hike along the glorious coastline of the Yuragir National Park near Yamba in Northern NSW, I began to notice a thick, rich espresso like fluid that seeped from underground springs and then flowed magically over smooth rock. The result was a coastline of divine coffee-coloured rock. A sign in the park then informed me that, not surprisingly, the name given to this espresso coloured rock is "Coffee Rock".
Like most ventures into nature, this leisurely hike was not without its dramas. Our peaceful amble along the walking track was suddenly interrupted by what sounded like the terrifying pounding of approaching hooves. In a cloud of dust we came face to face with two huge, startled kangaroos.

Needless to say by the time we got back to civilisation after a morning immersed in natural images of swirling espresso and close encounters with kangaroos I was ready for a soothing caffe latte. I spied a Segafredo sign in the main street and thought I'd see if the locals could do better than my disastrous German Segafredo experience.
The caffe latte that was served up looked respectable enough although it was served in an unusual glass that tapered in at the base. The espresso itself was bitter and the latte overall lacked that rich flavour I was yearning for and was no match for the natural espresso I'd seen oozing from the tantalising Coffee Rocks.

Macchiato Latte? Bremen Germany

Just got off a very fast train from Frankfurt to Bremen. Having spent 4 hours being jet propelled across Germany I was well and truly ready for a latte by the time my feet hit solid ground. Inside the large Bremen central station arrival hall I saw a vision - a familiar red and black Segafredo sign. Now having had this brand of espresso back home and found it quite palatable I thought I may have found it...I had learnt from a helpful waitress in Frankfurt that what I needed to ask for was a macchiato latte to get what I would normally call a caffe latte, so with confidence and my wheely case in tow I strode up to the counter and placed my order. Then I waited and watched...Down came the tall parfait glass,not a good start, this was then filled to the brim with hot milk. But wait I thought, "Where's the room for the espresso?" Then it came, a tiny metal jug from which was poured a few tiny drops of espresso which did little but add a tiny stain to the milk. So there it was - the macchiato latte...my search for a decent caffe latte continues. As you can see from the image the drops of coffee finally settled in the bottom of the glass, leaving a 4cm layer of white scorched foam on top.
When the coast was clear I made a dash and came upon this jolly group of town musicians who had journeyed to Bremen in search of a better life. My spirits instantly lifted and I decided not to be beaten by the macchiato latte.