A letter from a reader in Singapore

Dear Mr Badgett,

I'm sorry to say that I don't visit your website as often as I used to. And when I say that, I truly mean I am sorry--because it's clear to me every time I do, that there's a lot to learn about the world of coffee and a lot of it's easily found on your page.

I've just finished reading the entry entitled "Anatomy of American Espresso" by Dr Joseph John, and I'm now suddenly a lot clearer of the magic behind the espresso. It is by far one of my favourite coffee drinks to enjoy, although sadly here in Singapore, my first exposure to the beverage came in the form of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Co. and Starbucks. It's a real shame. There's plenty of good brewed coffee to be found dotted all around the island though, in older establishments where there is no air-conditioning, the people don't speak English at all, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anything remotely akin to "service"; but that's the way it is at the justly-named 'coffeeshops' here. To find that true blend of espresso however, I'm looking forward to my Italy trip in May, and I think armed with the new knowledge I've gleaned from your page, I will enjoy my cuppa there all the more.

Keep up the marvellous work, Mr Badgett. And by the way, regards to the wife and child (I recall you sharing about the adoption some time back).

Eric Chiam