The first time I tried an espresso, I was a college student struggling to stay afloat. I was drowning in work and felt completely drained. I had heard that espresso could give you a quick energy boost, so I decided to give it a try one morning at 8 a.m. And boy, was I in for a surprise! That first sip was like a bolt of lightning, jolting me awake and ready to conquer the day. It was a flavor sensation like nothing I had ever experienced before, and I spent the next year exploring different espresso spots around Hong Kong. Even though school was tough, those little shots of caffeine kept me going. During the summer, I devoured every coffee book I could get my hands on, soaking up all the knowledge I could. Eventually, I snagged a part-time job at a hotel, where I did a bit of everything – including working at the coffee shop in the lobby. I’d pester the baristas with endless questions, begging them to teach me everything they knew. And that’s how I learned the ins and outs of coffee – through a bit of tenacity and a whole lot of caffeine!