DEC 20

Bolivia

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Hans Christian Andersen, the world-famous fairy tale author, stands as a timeless figure in the heart of Copenhagen. His statue, unveiled in 1880, captures him in a quiet moment—as if he has just set down his pen and is about to discover a new story.

With his lifelong gift for weaving tales that touched hearts across the world, Andersen remains a symbol of the power of imagination. His statue is a place where his world of wonder and adventure comes alive, reminding us that the magical journey is always closer than we think.

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The anecdote of the ballerina, the cousin, and the embarrassed poet

In his youth—when H.C. Andersen still nurtured hopes of both romance and social ascent—he fell deeply in love with a young ballerina from the Royal Theatre. Let’s call her Clara, though her real name is found in certain biographies.

Today’s Anecdote

The ballerina, the cousin, and the embarrassed poet

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The anecdote of the ballerina, the cousin, and the embarrassed poet

She was lively, beautiful, well-regarded in theatre circles, and a little dramatic. As Andersen once wrote in a letter to a friend:

“She moves like verses that are not to be written, but danced.”

Andersen—shy yet dramatic—decided to declare his admiration directly, not with a poem or letter this time, but face to face. A bold decision for the sensitive young author. He waited by the theatre’s stage door after a performance, and when Clara emerged, he stepped forward, removed his hat, bowed slightly, and said: “Miss, you may not know me, but you have danced in my heart for weeks…” Clara froze. Stared. Was silent for a few seconds. And then she… burst out laughing—very loudly.

“Anna! It’s you, isn’t it?! What IS this costume?!”

Andersen blinked in confusion.

“Excuse me… what do you mean?”

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She looked at him and said:

“Well honestly… you look exactly like my cousin Anna when she plays theatre games in men’s clothing. Same nose, same high voice… this is brilliant!” Pause. Embarrassment. The world’s slowest explanation.

It took Andersen nearly a full minute to clarify that he was neither Anna, nor a cousin, nor in disguise—but in fact himself, and that his words were sincere. Clara turned red and stammered: “Oh… good heavens… I thought it was a practical joke. I… well… you just looked so much like her in the dark.”

Aftermath: Andersen apologized for the trouble and left quickly. In his diary, he wrote: “I was not only rejected, but mistaken for a woman… and worse still, a cousin. ”He later composed a never-published poem containing the line: “My love was not recognized—for my nose was too soft, and my voice too high.”

Among friends, it became known as “The Cousin Disillusionment”—and Andersen never again attempted to declare his love face to face.

MORE ABOUT THE COFFEE

Bolivia

Origin

Union ProAgro

coffee roast

Taste Notes

Plum, red apple,

muscovado sugar,

soft orange acidity

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This coffee carries a story of empowerment and progress, grown by women producers in Bolivia’s Unión ProAgro cooperative as part of the Café Femenino Program. By taking ownership of their production, these women have transformed both their communities and the coffees they create.
In the cup, expect a refined, balanced profile with a gentle sweetness, layered with crisp apple, bright citrus, and a touch of muscovado sugar.

Altitude: 1100-1750 m.a.s.l.

Variety: Caturra, Criolla

Process: Washed

Certification: Cafe Femenino, Fairtrade, Organic

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Did you know that you can order same coffee as beans?

SHOP BOLIVIA BEANS

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