Maycol Soriano, Finca La Balastera

It was the best game in the world, because when you're so small the rows of plants seem endless, and there are like a thousand places to hide from your friends.

My grandparents founded the farm, and my father took it over twenty years ago. He taught me all the ins and outs, and while I don't want to pretend I'm an expert, I've been learning since I was a child and could easily run the farm on my own now. But luckily, my father is around, and we work together every day. I wouldn't want to do this without him, at least not for many, many years.

In fact, there's too much work even for two people, but we can't afford to hire help, except during harvest time, when it's packed. I really love what I do. It's true that it's hard work and I rarely have a day off, but why would I want a day off when I'm happier when I'm on our farm, surrounded by all this beautiful nature and peaceful surroundings? I may earn less than someone in an office with a fancy job, but I bet I have more freedom, and I'm at least as happy. Growing coffee is beautiful these days; growing coffee is great again!