It smells like a Cuban home

When I was growing up, I remember that each day I woke to a most distinctive blend of aromas.
I knew my dad was up and getting ready for work when the mingled scents of Vitalis, Bustelo, and H.Upmann Finos insinuated themselves into my dreams and yanked me out of my sound sleep.

To this day, the distinctive aroma of Cuban coffee gives me a sense of security. Seared into my subconscious, along with the smell of coladitos is the knowledge that my Dad was working and all was right with the world.

Odd, isn't it? I mean I know I'm talking about cheap after-shave, cigarettes and coffee. But it was Eu de Papi to me. My dad was not present much. He worked very hard to support our family and for that I'm grateful. But when he was present, so were the Bustelo and the H.Upmanns. Such was my life.

It occurred to me that my kids are growing up with a completely different view of what Dad and Security means to them.

And that it looks something like this:

 

Their idea of dad going to work is the whirr of the laptop firing up. Which is why I make sure there's always some Bustelo brewing. There's a certain continuity there, don't you think?
I'd hate for them to miss out on the smell of freshly brewed espresso in the morning. Or maybe I'd hate for Eric to miss out... Or maybe it's just my own stuff.... It's all a blur now...

All I know is that the aroma of espresso in the morning means that Dad is working and all is right with the world. ;-)

Comments

[Kikita]

Bustelo's brewing over here too! :-)

[Ody from Miami Lakes]

Marta, I know exactly what you mean. Growing up I was awaken to the aroma of the Bustelo coffee brewing in my home as well and waiting for mom to bring me my cafe con leche to my bed. I would sit up and drink it (gulp it down actually) while she said her good mornings. After I drank it, I would give her my cup and she would go back to the kitchen and I would start my day.

Your nostalgia also reminds me of the wisdom my mom once gave me as I began to start a family of my own. I was careful to tip toe around the house and have my husband do the same in the mornings while the girls slept, as to not wake them up. My mom shared that it was good for my girls to get used to hearing the noises and sounds that their daddy made in the mornings, because this would bring them comfort and security as they heard the noises their daddy made first thing in the morning while getting ready to work to provide for them. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

[George]

Si, el olor de el cafe (con leche) por la manana tambien me hace recorder a mi papa.

[mague]

Marta,

It's a little off topic, but in that picture you can see a strong resemblance between your father and your son Adam.

Mague

[Marta]

Mague,

You're exactly right. Adam has my dad's face (which is my face too, but that's not important right now). That gives me an idea for a post.... Thanks!

Besos,
Marta

[class factotum]

I remember waking up at my grandparents' house to the aroma of coffee, bacon and toast with the tiniest bit of cow manure and raw milk thrown in -- my grandfather was a dairy farmer. I love that smell.

[Abe Cardenas]

Marta,

Did I tell you that I love your blog? Oh yeah.... I did... didn't I... at Cuba Nostalgia last month. This post is a fine example of why I love your blog. Please make sure to link back to this post next father's day. It's an instant classic in my book. Un beso y un fuerte abrazo from Miami (via Pennsylvania cuz I'm up here at my PA office this week.)

Lotsa love. Abe

[FlaNboyantEats]

yo no puedo funcionar sin my cafe con leche.. everyday. i have an awful addiction to bustelo, thanks to my mother!