It’s an exciting time for wanna be coffee importers. After successfully overcoming myriad obstacles, Yrma & I managed to get our coffee from the central rainforest of Peru to the Port of Callao in Lima, Peru, then on to Long Beach (where we encountered first hand what happens when there’s a longshoreman work slowdown,) from there to northwest Arizona & to select coffee shops in Kingman, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
Continue reading Real People, Really Good Coffee (Update February 2015)
Today, the Peruvian Sol fell to its lowest level in nearly 6 years despite Central Bank Intervention.
Via El Comercio (Bing Translator)
Continue reading Peruvian Sol Falls Below 3.08 to the Dollar, Lowest in 6 Years
The weather is different for us this year in northwest Arizona. While we could be having rain or cold temps, we’re instead seeing an advanced Spring & near record temperatures. Our friends in the northeast and Midwest are buried in snow, and our friends in the rainforest of central & northern Peru are suffering torrential rains, landslides and even communities trapped due to flooding or roadways blocked by landslide debris and dirt.
The Province of San Martin has declared a state of emergency, one whole village wants to relocate to higher ground, and the people of the port city of Yurimaguas have been unable to leave via land because the main road is blocked.
Continue reading Massive Flooding in the Peruvian Rain Forest
While this blog focuses on Peru and we spend a great deal of time there every year, we’re lucky to be home for Spring. Though the groundhog may have predicted 6 more weeks of winter for our northern friends, we are seeing unusually warm temps here in northwest Arizona. Already the Joshua trees are forming buds, and we’re hoping that we’ll at least get a little more rain this month which would herald a good wildflower season this year. Below are some pics that we’ve taken over the years:
Continue reading Spring Comes Early to the Desert
Recently, a family member started preparing cremoladas in Tarapoto, Peru. Cremoladas are what we would call fruit smoothies. The best part of a Peruvian cremolada is the amazing fruits that are available. Very delicious! Here’s an article about a cremolada shop in Miraflores.
I realize for many in the US today, the thought of icy cold drinks may not be appealing. Think summer!
Continue reading Recipe: Want a cremolada to beat the heat? Learn how to prepare it! – Peru this Week
For film and ceramics buffs here’s an article from Peru This Week:
Peruvian documentary to be featured in Iquique film festival
Peruvian documentary “Pucara: Hacedores de Ceramica” (Ceramic Makers) will be featured in the Iquique International Film Festival’s 7th edition in Chile starting this weekend.
Continue reading Peruvian documentary to be featured in Iquique film festival
Between meeting with potential green coffee clients, roasting coffee, and hosting family in town, it’s been a busy week. Here’s an article I thought you might enjoy.
Here’s the top 5 must see areas in Peru for your 2015 trip:
From Peru this Week:
Continue reading 5 Must See Natural Areas in Peru for 2015
Our very first blog post at A Little Further South was 10 things that are different in Peru. Here’s 8 more differences…Enjoy!
Continue reading 8 More Things that are Different in Peru
Back in the US
You may have noticed that it’s been a bit quieter on the site lately. We arrived back in the US late on January 11th, and have been running ever since.
Our coffee had been awaiting our arrival in the warehouse for East Bay Logistics in Rancho Dominguez, California just a few miles east of the Port of Long Beach. After searching for a reasonable LTL (less than truckload) carrier to bring our coffee to us, we ended up going to pick it up ourselves. The lower gas prices certainly helped this time. We were particularly blessed on this trip, as about 10 miles out of Needles. California, going down the steep hill into the Colorado River valley, we lost about a third of the tread on one of the trailer tires. It started to vibrate & we limped it into Needles and to a tire shop. We were surprised to see how bad it was & were grateful for the miracle of the day.
Continue reading Real People, Really Good Coffee (Update January 2015)
For those thinking of visiting Peru (or any other country for that matter,) can improve their experience for themselves as well as the people in the visited country. Here are some simple, but useful tips.
From Peru This week:
Continue reading 8 tips that will make you a better tourist
