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