Unfortunately I was overwhelmed by the situation, and I couldn`t make a decent performance ... but next year I`ll be more prepared.
The WBC was my worst logistical nightmare, specially as I was traveling from the end of the world. Unfortunately, in some countries the barista profession and specialty coffee are not develped, yet. Consequently there are NO sponsors, and ALL the expenses are on you ... that`s the reason why, some countries don`t have a team with them (or even a coach).
When you`re traveling alone, you can only carry 25kgs in your hand baggage ... and it would have been impossible to pass my argentinian variety of my Bishop`s Crown red hot chili peppers, through the Australian customs (at least mine never arrived to Tokyo).
"Competing" with the best baristas in the world was an honour, I`ve learned a lot about coffee and the barista profession .... next year (if I make it to Copenhagen) I`ll try to do a better job.
At last, I have to thank all the people (specially my fellow baristas) that offered their help, stuff, and prayed for my luggage to appear. There was a wonderful atmosphere backstage, and the crowd was really supportive. THANKS !!!
Best regards,
Federico Cabrera Argentinian Competitor, WBC 2007, Tokyo (Japan).-
I really appreciate, and didn't expect, the feedback from the WBC '07 participants. I almost feel it is much like having a conversation with "rock stars." The amount of knowledge and experience you guys have is incredible and I hope I can learn from that.
The only "rock star" here is Carl ... I`m just a southamerican beekeeper that make it to the WBC !!!
I`m a professional barista in my country (where specialty cofffee and the barista profession are not developed, yet); but if I compare the training, preparation, and knowledge of the rest of the competitors with mine, I`m just a home barista (I`ve been a barista for 1 year only).
Fortunately, I was able to learn a lot from my fellow baristas, and I`ll be better prepared for Copenhagen (or a least more trained).
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