I have a vivid memory of visiting a small farm in the Argentinean pampas. I was five years old when my father took us to this place in the countryside where everything was different than our urban neighborhood. A tall guy with boots and unusual trousers greeted us, mentioned some names that were as unusual as his trousers, and all of a sudden, we were in front of a young man milking a cow.

The young man showed us how to milk one, then showed us how he managed to drink straight from the stream of milk coming out of the cow’s nipple. Finally, he offered some to me and I felt obliged to accept it. The milk was warm and had a strong taste, altogether undesirable to me. Apparently everybody noticed, as I guessed from the smiles and laughs.

In spite of my early dislike for raw milk’s goodness, I remember that I was excited and happy to be there. The whole experience was fascinating. Until that morning I’d only seen milk in the green glass bottles brought by the milkman, or at the grocery store. Now, I knew a whole lot more.

I don’t know why, though I do know that at any age -- and perhaps particularly when we’re children -- we find learning delightful. Today, because of the way things work, it has become difficult to see the whole process involved in the creation of something. We have access to lots of manufactured and processed goods, though it’s seldom, or never, when we know where these goods come from.

When we have the chance to see something from beginning to end, the pleasure we get from learning seems to become a big one. When we see a luthier making an instrument, the curious grace of a cork tree or an animal giving birth, there’s something that rejoices inside us.

This coming Saturday, you, your children, your family and friends have the opportunity to experience the creation of olive oil during our open house. If you care to understand the great potential it holds, you’ll see how the noble olive can yield wonderful oils bursting with nutrients and unique flavors.

Wishing to share our enthusiasm and “Love at First Crush” with you.

Until Saturday!

On behalf of the Pacific Sun Olive Oil team,

Pablo