Three Cups of Coffee

A few weeks ago, there was an article in our local Express free newspaper about a traditional coffee ceremony in Ethiopia and how some local residents are trying to maintain the tradition here in DC (it's a ceremony performed in the home; Ethiopian restaurants here in the US don't usually offer them).  Essentially, over an hour to an hour and a half time period, participants drink three small cups of hand-ground coffee and socialize.  Sounds good to me!  It made me think about how wonderful it would be to have such a gathering and combine it with the warmth and interactions of a sit 'n stitch.  Ethiopians have a rich culture of crocheting as well, and that tradition has been carried on by many island nations, most predominantly by Jamaica, whose residents follow the teachings of Haile Selassie and the Rastafari movement.  There are a number of recent documentaries that explore the history of Rastafarians, Bob Marley, the history, culture, and music of the beginnings of the movement and where it is now.  I saw one during the DC Filmfest and, despite some controversial aspects, no one can argue against the message of peace.