Tea Time

I've realized that in my previous posts I've really only been talking about verbs-what I've done each week. I think its time that I brought some nouns to the table. This week, let's talk about tea.

I have my complaints about British culture, believe me. People here walk far too slowly, and almost every item of food is in sausage or pie form. However, the Brits got it right with tea. Earl Grey, English Breakfast, crumpets, cucumber sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, jam. The list goes on. High Tea is just about the best concept that I have ever encountered. Whoever had the idea that any kind of work or stress that in your life should stop at around 3:30 everyday so that you can proceed to stuff your face with hot beverages and baked goods, is a genious, perhaps a god. The only other cultural tradition that I've encountered that could rival high tea is the Spanish siesta. So I say, why not combine them? A mid-afternoon feast, followed by a nice long nap, what a beautiful idea.

Tea has been a tradition in my family since before I was even a part of my family. My Dad's side is British, very British. I grew up with Aunties who told me exactly how long I must steep my teabag before disposing of it and exactly what fraction of milk to tea was needed to make the perfect 'cuppa'. On a trip with my late Aunt Glady to New Orleans, I was shocked when she sent back nearly every cup of tea that she ordered from any restaurant or cafe. "Why not just stop ordering the tea?" I wondered. I think that Glady got intense satisfaction from schooling those southern establishments in the English art of tea-making. And rightly so. Tea is a serious business here, not to be defiled with crazy flavors or poor presentation.

If you're getting the idea that the English are snobby about their tea, then you would be correct. But don't take offense. Tea, like an American hamburger, almost defines the culture here. There is a connection to tea that goes far beyond its flavor. (Speaking of which, I've yet to find a great cheeseburger. Add that to my list of complaints). I've learned that tea brings people together. If I'm in the kitchen in my dorm or at a cafe on the High, I'm almost guaranteed to be surrounded by people of every shape, size, age, and ethnicity. In my memories of Thanksgivings and Easters at home, tea was always a part of the celebration, an appropriate partner to pie and relaxation. Afternoon tea is a time to relax, to chat with friends, to meet new people, and to appreciate the little things in life. And when those little things include freshly baked scones, what's not to love?

And now that I am in what is arguably the global center of Tea, I feel the love that my Aunties had for 'the nectar of the Gods'. Tea is quite simply, wonderful, and I indulge its delights everyday. As a matter of fact, it is now 3:37, and I'm late for my usual cuppa!

With love and lots of tea,

Sarah

Happy Birthday to me!

What a BRILLIANT birthday week!

This previous week was one of the most stressful that I've had, two very difficult papers were due. But I finished everything just in time to celebrate my 21st birthday!

Tuesday was my first trip to the Oxford Student Union. There was a debate taking place in honor of the US elections, the debaters were all Americans and discussed some of the issues that were at the forefront of the elections and campaigns. First of all, the Union is beautiful, quintessential Oxford. It was strange to be in a room in England packed with Americans, but it was nice to feel a little bit closer to home, even for just a few hours. And I saw a fellow Hill alum there! So all in all, an interesting night.

Thursday, a friend and I took the bus into London where we stayed with another friend of mine from Wellesley who is studying at LSE for the year. Friday was spent at the British Museum, what an incredible place! I had no idea how extensive their collections are. We got to see the Rosetta stone, the pediments from the Parthenon, and a special exhibit on the Egyptian book of the dead. So amazing! Thursday night, we went to see the English National Opera perform La Boheme. It was a beautiful production, lots of death and sadness BUT enjoyable just the same.

And Saturday was the big birthday celebration. We wandered around Chelsea in the morning, exploring farmers markets and rare book fairs and gorging ourselves on food (typical weekend activity). Next was a much needed and anticipated trip to Harrods! Let me tell you people, this is a shoppers dream, and I am a seasoned player myself. I picked up a lovely pair of birthday shoes (!) and then we made our way to the Victoria and Albert Museum. That night five of us went out to Cocoon, a very cool sushi restaurant near Picadilly Circus. The food, and of course the drinks, were delectible, such a nice treat. From there, we went to an oh-so-hip London club called The Ministry of Sound. It was so much fun and a great way to start my 21st birthday!

Sunday was spent in Westminster then on the bus back to Oxford where I met all of my fellow Americans at a great Indian restaurant in town, then out for more drinks (the defining activity of the weekend). It was such a lovely way to spend my birthday, although I'm sad that I didn't get to experience the American version. But only three weeks until I'm back in the US, I can't believe it! Meanwhile, I'm having an amazing time in London, and can't wait to explore the rest of Europe soon. Details on my trip planning will come in my next post.

Sarah XX (the standard British sign off!)

PS. Check facebook for more pictures!