“We have been invited for coffee ceremony tomorrow,” Sami quips as we discuss the day’s program in Arusha, Tanzania. When asked by our multinational group if we would have lunch before going to the coffee ceremony, he says, “Coffee doesn’t not mean we will have coffee only.” Well, that’s an exciting thought. It turns out that we were going to have a full day of Ethiopian hospitality, warmth, love and celebration.

Mulu, Sami’s aunt and our host, welcomes us to her warm home; after arriving an hour late!! She had spent the entire morning preparing Ethiopian cuisine for our arrival. The table was afloat with food, ranging from Ethiopia’s famous injera–a yeast-risen flatbread with a unique, slightly spongy texture to spicy vegetables, stew and rice; and lots of laughter and friendship. Sami, Bruk and Alazar, our Ethiopian friends, inform us that an invitation to a coffee ceremony is a sign of friendship and respect, even while they are away from home. Well, it was honor to be part of this special occasion with special friends.

As Bruk reveals, Ethiopian respect to coffee is rich, and always ceremonial. She explained that the ceremony process starts with the ceremonial equipment being arranged on a green mat, this, we watch as Mulu sets the pieces neatly on the mat.

She then proceeded to roast the coffee beans in a flat pan over a small charcoal stove, the strong smell mingling with the scent of incense that is usually burnt during the ceremony.

After it was ready, Mulu served the coffee in tiny china cups. As we learn later, you have only have had the buna experience if you have consumed at least three cups of black coffee, as the third round is considered to bestow a blessing.

Well, I drank three cups…of milky coffee! And all the while, indulging in conversations around careers, culture, soccer and music…and toasted to long lasting friendships.