In Europe, I used to stick to coffee brewed in cafรฉs or with a Nespresso machine at home. However, my wife and I recently ventured into the world of drip coffee at local cafรฉs and were pleasantly surprised by the nuanced flavors and delightful aromas it offered.

The turning point was a small restaurant in Kamikochi last Summer, where we were truly captivated by the excellence of drip coffee. Inspired, my wife purchased a coffee dripper and filters during my visit to the Netherlands in October. She urged me to bring back some quality ground coffee from Simon Levelt, a retailer known for offering high-quality coffee beans, equipment, or accessories.

With no prior experience in making drip coffee, I delved into the world of YouTube, immersing myself in the techniques and rituals demonstrated by coffee enthusiasts. The V60 coffee dripper caught my attention due to its clever design that enhances the filtering processโ€”it almost feels like conducting a scientific experiment.

Now, I find joy in the meticulous process of pouring hot water into the dripper, patiently waiting for the ground coffee to filter through into the coffee jug. The satisfaction derived from this method surpasses the quick fix of Nespresso’s aluminum pods. It’s a true appreciation for the art and time invested in each cup.

I might be geeking out on drip coffee today, but I’m sure there are fellow coffee lovers who can relate and appreciate this journey.

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This blog is for thoughtful adults who are starting again โ€” in learning, creativity, or life โ€” and want to grow steadily without noise or pressure.

Here youโ€™ll find daily reflections and practical guides shaped by lived experience. The focus is on learning through doing: building consistency, adapting to change, and finding clarity in everyday practice.

The stories and guides here come from real processes โ€” creative experiments, hands-on projects, life in rural Japan, working with nature, and learning new skills step by step. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is polished for performance. The aim is steady progress, honest reflection, and practical insight you can actually use.

If youโ€™re curious about life in Japan, learning new skills at your own pace, or finding a calmer, more intentional way forward, youโ€™re in the right place.

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