I happen to have a greenhouse catalog I was looking at, but not with the intentions of growing coffee since I'm a bit low in altitude to grow the good stuff (my greenhouse would be at sea level, +/- 1 foot).

I wonder how much advantage there is to polycarbonate siding vs. a film one, other than lifespan. I can get a 20' x 20' complete kit for $3,145 in a film house and can dream of rambutan, mangosteen, etc. Of course, my Ae Ae banana would go in there if I can keep it alive!

By the way, I'll be visted by a "really real man" in a couple of hours. You know that guy that created that wonderful banana poster? Ken from Kona is coming by with Bryan from Puerto Rico to look at chestnuts, bananas, etc.

About 200 years ago, the Philippines was on the list of the world's top coffee producers-- the fourth largest coffee producing nation. Today, the Philippines produce only .012% of the world's coffee supply. I have never tasted Philippines Barako Coffee, I would like to try it. - Millet

By friend Bryan of Montoso Gardens in Puerto Rico says that Vatican imports its coffee from Puerto Rico. That's enough to make me want to try it so he's going to arrange for some to be sent to me. I've never had coffee from the PI either. I like most coffees, though there are some I've tried that made me wonder who on earth chose it!

Harvey, I have been to the Vatican and the city of Rome twice. Saint Peters Basilica (Vatican) is the largest church building in the world. The art inside the church is far beyond any price. I'm sure even more than all the monies of every nation combined. I have traveled over the majority of the world, and I must say the churches of Rome are by FAR the most outstanding objects I have ever seen. Many have taken hundreds and hundreds of years to build. If the Vatican's coffee is as amazing as the church I would also love to find enough of their coffee to make a pot. - Millet

Millet, I was there in 2001 as well with my wife, son, and my parents joined us as well. It will probably be our next International trip. We didn't get to spend as much time in the museum as we wanted but we did get the wonderful opportunity to go below St. Peter's into the excavations to see where St. Peter's grave is (directly below the altar). I enjoyed the coffee in Italy in general, but don't recall having any while in Vatican City. I'll let you know what I think of the PR coffee when I try some.

Did you go to Rome as part of a pilgriage or go on your own? We were on our own and found it a bit difficult to know what we should go see or how to get around (we turned in our rental car when we arrived in Rome). When we were on pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Jordan and Israel) in late 2005 we sure saw a lot more than we could have done on our own.

Harvey

Harvey, I went to Rome on my own both times. I did hire a private tour guide that was recommended to me by the matre'd of the Hotel in Rome I stay at (The Grand Hotel). She had a degree in archeology and ancient studies, and had worked as a tour guide in Rome for years. We had her for two days. On the first day she showed us many of the ancient Churches, like the Basilica of St John Lateran, which is the church of prime importance in the Catholic Church, even above Saint Peters Basilica. The Basilica of St. John Lateran was begun in the year 313 and has served the people of Rome to this very day. Just about every famous name you have ever heard of worked on building the Churches. of Rome. On the second day she took us to ancient Roman sites, and current attractions, such as museums, government buildings, and good restaurants. She was worth twice the price she charged. Rome is my very favorite city of the world. By the way, the last time I stayed in Rome Demi Moore was staying in the same hotel. Every time you came or went from the hotel, you had to make your way through an army of paparatezzi. - Millet

Thanks, Millet. I'm aware of the importance of the Basillica of St. John Lateran, but did not get the chance to get there. My interest is more of that from a faith perspective and enjoyed Steve Ray's videos, some of which have done a good job of covering Rome (including "the chair"). Parents in tow did pose some limitations whereas my son didn't slow us down much since he was on my back in a backpack carrier (that did wear out my legs in going up the 413 steps up the bell tower in Florence, though!). I now recall seeing someone at the Colloseum with a personal guide and thought that was pretty nice but had not heard of such services before. I think we'll have to look into that for at least 2-3 days the next time we make it to Rome. Even if it is expensive it probably is well worth the money.

By the way, when were in Rome it was in October 2001, about 5 weeks after "9/11" and there weren't crowds anywhere!

Harvey

Do you mean the Bell Tower next to the Domo (Church) on the Via Della Scala in Florence? I have been there but did not climb to the top. If you went up to the top of that tower, your a better man than I. But on the other hand I did not get run over by the million motor scooter in Florence. - Millet

Yes, that's the one! My wife and parents stayed below and most others making the climb made remarks when they saw I was going up with my son on my back (a 50 pound load). I'm 50 now and it might be impossible for me to do it. I still give him a bad time today as he would not let me take breaks, he kept saying "go daddy!" My legs hurt badly for 3 days. It was a fantastic view from up above and worth it, though. My wife and parents enjoyed their gelato!

Harvey