My Cup of Coffee on National Coffee Day

As always I randomly came across this while surfing the internet " 29th September is national coffee day". I did not even bother to look up the history behind this. All I could think of was a blog post . By now ( if only you read my blog )  you would have noticed that caffeine has largely been a part of my blog posts. Why not ? It has been and still is an integral part of my daily routine . Caffeine is what wakes me up and keeps me going everyday .
 
As I thought more and more  about this national coffee day I had a flash back of fun filled coffee moments in medical school .  Just like  " Koffee with Karan " I have my version of " Coffee with Doc Becks " . Reflecting on my caffeine addiction over years I thought of my friend Doc Becks from medical school . Doc Becks has been my "partner in crime", "a witness" , " helping hand " and " my long lasting friend " in every single important and not so important moments in medical school.  Doc Becks has accompanied me during my each and every visit to  Ashwini canteen ( local coffee shop ) during my med school years. Even recently when my family visited Doc Becks for lunch in India the meeting aptly ended with fresh home made filter coffee by Doc Becks . Incase you all are wondering Doc Becks is not a caffeine addict at all. Infact Doc Becks once told me that I should start a " chai company " and may in fact end up being an international business tycoon some day . May be !

Talking of those good old college days I have to mention Ashwini canteen . Neither the ambience here is great nor the location is perfect . But this place is mesmerizing. The coffee served here is one of its kind . No one can beat that flavor . This place holds a special place in hearts of many GMCites. I am sure this place has been a witness to all important events in lives of GMCites over the years . All the make ups and break ups, fights and friendships, group meetings and study discussions happen here . It sort of is a site of historical importance when you are at GMC . Undoubtedly it will continue to be a testimony to many future events and people . I have visited it at all fun and not so fun times in my medical school years . Random evenings , weekend breakfast , day before diwali and even the day before final exams . Each and every moment at Ashwini canteen has a special place in my heart . I still cherish those fun filled times .  Doc Becks never refused , not even once to accompany me on my caffeine binges at Ashwini canteen . My dear friend has patiently heard stories of my stupid fights with some folks and has endured through all my superstitions of not passing the finals . Just few days later then to celebrate my excitement after passing with flying colors . All this happening at one and only Ashwini canteen . So here is my toast " a cup of coffee " for the friendship we shared and still share . Cheers Doc Becks .

It's Coffee O'clock

            "Sometimes having coffee with your best friend is all the therapy you need "

I read this on the internet and memories from our recent India trip quickly came to my mind. Me, my husband  (my best friend ) and baby K were on our way to meet some relatives in Maharashtra. The moment my husband spotted a CCD he immediately drove into the parking lot. It was 3 pm on a regular weekday. I was not just surprised but shocked. For a non caffeine lover this was totally "out of the league" kind of thing . 

CCD ( cafe coffee day ) is a standard chain type place. This particular location had lots of seating and was not too crowded given the time of day. The place had comfortable environment and we settled into a sofa near the window. We quickly glanced at the menu and ordered two cold coffees given the scorching heat outside. 

We had such a wonderful time at that CCD. We sat there, relaxed and enjoyed every sip of the coffee. We spoke about our first visit to CCD together 9 years ago . It was just after we had decided to get married. Our lives have changed so much since then. But my love for him, coffee and CCD is still the same. It was sort of an impromptu coffee date. As much as we enjoyed the time spent together at CCD we loved the coffee too. It was a nice break and good family time for three of us amidst the crazy busy India trip. 

On a regular weekday in USA at home my mantra is "If you bring me caffeine without having to ask then I love you more" . Now here we were in India ,on a weekday, with hectic travel schedules and meetings planned. Amidst all of this my dearest husband stopped for a cup of coffee with me ,at my fav place without even a second thought. What else can I ask for? After nine years of marriage this CCD trip was just like a perfect first date... "latte to love " all over again.