Meaningful Tea?
Why is this travel blog called meaningful tea? First of all, I love Tea! My mornings start with a cup of tea while I sit and enjoy life. Tea is not just a beverage to me, albeit a delicious one. It is an insight into cultures around the world, its memories with friends, it’s the start of a meaningful conversation, which for me is what traveling is about.
Legend says that tea was started in China when a few leaves fell into the emperor’s boiling water. Tea has spread to multiple cultures over the span of thousands of years with each culture putting their own spin to tea. Today tea is the second most consumed beverage only second to water. The tea itself embodies various aromas and tradition unique to the culture it comes from for example the fascinating Japanese tea ceremony that I liken to a performance, not unlike a ballet for tea and the British high tea with its formality true to British culture. Like music, art, and smiles tea is synonymous with sharing and friendship. There is nothing that beats the floral aroma of Turkish herbal tea paired with the sweet and nutty flavor of baklava. Indian Chai tea is an introduction to the explosion of spice used in the traditional cooking of India. The ginger and cardamom in Chai with the sweet and smoothness of the milk are indicative of dishes like Chicken Tikka Marsala.
Beyond just the consumable tea, the tea accessories, pots, cups, and saucers are a look into the artistic values of each culture. From the shape porcelain or the glass that make up the vessel for tea deliciousness the added wonder is the art. The intricate paintings of flowers, or animals in the style of the culture it comes from. The delicate gold and vibrant colors are true art.
Meaningful Tea 