I just had the most delectably spontaneous conversation about tea this afternoon at the post office. The same English lady who sees me often come in with boxes and tape and custom forms, was there to receive the 2 packages I was mailing off today. (Sending English Autumn locally, and sending a sample of some to South America).
As I filled out the customs form, waiting in line was an older couple submitting their paperwork for a passport, and in the process of needing pictures taken. I overheard the man complaining how we've lost so many of our privileges and how the world was a different place since 8 years ago today....
As I come up to the counter to hand over my packages for weighing and postage, the man humourously asks me the usual questions that the Post Office Lady usually asks, about if the packages might possibly contain anything 'fragile, liquid, perishable, flammable or potentially hazardous'...
As I come up to the counter to hand over my packages for weighing and postage, the man humourously asks me the usual questions that the Post Office Lady usually asks, about if the packages might possibly contain anything 'fragile, liquid, perishable, flammable or potentially hazardous'...
I simply state that I am trading tea with people around the world -- to which the 3 people, the elderly couple and the English post office lady, immediately perked up with great excitement, wondering how is it I get to do that & how ever did I orchestrate such a recurring occurrence - that I might have people around the world with whom to exchange tea.
"They Call me Madam Potts and make my own blends", say I....
Excitement continues, and questions flutter, as do the delicious squeals of 3 people delighting in the idea of sipping custom made teas (no doubt an even more attractive thing on a rainy day like today)...and how those teas get to travel around the world.
Making my exit, I could still hear the kerfuffle of enthusiastic energy that the conversation just stirred up. A conversation enjoyed by 4 random people (perhaps 5 if you count the man quietly listening in filling out forms of his own...).
I have done much travel from a teacup as of late.
From New Zealand to Uruguay, from France, England, Australia and the Philippines.
Making my exit, I could still hear the kerfuffle of enthusiastic energy that the conversation just stirred up. A conversation enjoyed by 4 random people (perhaps 5 if you count the man quietly listening in filling out forms of his own...).
I have done much travel from a teacup as of late.
From New Zealand to Uruguay, from France, England, Australia and the Philippines.
Orange & PassionFruit Tea from my Tea Friend in Uruguay
and now that I am back from my summer vacationing, I'm sure to brew some fun tales of tea and regale you with my experiences taking Sips Around the World....
1 comment:
Isn't it wonderful to see the interest people show in your passion for tea? I've found it endlessly surprising how many people are not only supportive but wish they could be doing something like you're fortunate enough to be able to do. Either that or they just want you on their side. --Teaternity
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